Ethics probe finds Alberta Premier Danielle Smith violated conflict of interest rule

Alberta’s ethics commissioner says Danielle Smith violated the Conflict of Interest Act in her interaction with the province’s justice minister, relating to charges against Calgary pastor Artur Pawlowski.

However, Margaret Trussler’s report found no evidence Smith or members of her staff contacted prosecutors, as alleged by the CBC.

Pawlowski was facing charges related to the Coutts border blockade and has since been convicted of mischief and other charges.

The commissioner also says Smith’s call to justice minister Tyler Shandro was meant to influence a decision by the Crown.

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• Pawlowski vows to tell his side of phone call with Danielle Smith after guilty verdict 

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She says Smith asked Shandro if there was something that could be done about the charges and if they could help Pawlowski.

Trussler says Shandro stood his ground in defending the independence of the Crown and its right to be free from political interference.

She adds that she is not recommending sanctions against Smith at this point in time but reserves the right to do so when the legislature is back in session.

The commissioner also recommends new legislature members attend training about the roles of the three branches of government.

Smith said in a statement sent through her party Thursday that she has always wanted to find a path to amnesty for those charged with non-violent COVID-related offences and violations during the pandemic.

She said she was seeking input from Shandro, who is a lawyer, on possible amnesty and accepted his advice. She said the conversation went no further.

“I invited the commissioner to give me and future premiers the benefit of some guidance on how to advance sensitive policy issues similar to this with the minister of justice if she thought there was a more appropriate way,” Smith said.