Alberta envoy to Asia cleared by ethics probe

Gary Mar has been allowed to return to his job as Alberta's trade envoy to Hong Kong after he was found not to be in a conflict of interest over a campaign fundraiser earlier this year.

"I'm anxious to get back to work and serve the premier and the government and the people of this province to the best of my ability in Hong Kong," Mar said on Friday.

Premier Alison Redford ordered Mar to take an unpaid leave of absence while the ethics commissioner conducted an investigation into the event held at the Edmonton Petroleum Club on March 1.

The dinner was held to help pay $262,000 in debts left over from Mar's unsuccessful run for the leadership of the Alberta Progressive Conservative party.

The first version of an invitation for the event mentioned Mar's position in Asia and implied that ticket-holders would learn how to do business in Hong Kong.  Mar's position wasn't mentioned on a second version of the invitation that was sent out later.

After the ethics commissioner determined the matter didn't fall under under his jurisdiction, the matter was referred to Peter Watson, deputy minister of the executive Council.

Watson hired a labour relations expert to conduct an independent investigation.

Watson also sought advice from David Phillip Jones, the current conflict of interest commissioner for the Yukon legislative assembly who is an expert in adminstrative law.

Watson cleared Mar to return to Hong Kong after finding there was no conflict of interest under the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service.

The review found that Mar was not involved in the direct solicitation of money from the dinner nor would the funds go directly to him.  

No information was given to people who attended that was not freely available to the public. A trip to Hong Kong was auctioned at the event; the review found that special access was not given or expected by the winner. The review also found that the invitation was changed to read that it was a "private affair" after concerns were raised about the first version.

Mar says he hasn't talked to Redford since the ruling but says the investigation hasn't changed their relationship.

"The premier makes decisions based on the very best information that she may have available at the time," he said. "Now, she made a decision based on her very best judgement and I accept that."

Some in the opposition are questioning the timing of the ruling. Alberta NDP leader Brian Mason says he wasn't surprised to see the decision announced after the April 23 election.

"Obviously she feared that this would be an election issue and she put her own party’s election ahead of Mr. Mar’s reputation," Mason said. "Or in my opinion, ahead of due process."

Mason says he'd like to see stricter rules for politicians caught in conflicts of interest in Alberta.