Final report on MacKinley case expected

P.E.I.'s conflict of interest commissioner expects this week to complete his report on Transportation Minister Ron MacKinley's approval of traffic signals next to his Cornwall property.

In October, Progressive Conservative MLA Mike Currie filed the complaint to commissioner Neil Robinson.

"[The investigation] was concluded just before Christmas, and I took the holiday season to begin the draft of the final report," Robinson told CBC News Friday.

"I'm expecting that I'll have the final report in the hands of the Speaker later this week."

Currie said the new lights give better accessibility to MacKinley's property, allowing MacKinley to develop a new subdivision on his property. In his complaint to the commissioner, Currie alleged MacKinley could benefit because his property values will increase dramatically.

MacKinley said the lights are meant to provide better access to Cornwall's industrial park, which is on the other side of the highway.

Robinson said he gathered evidence and interviewed both parties extensively during his two-month investigation.

While there will be a decision, there may be no public light shed on the affair. Robinson said it will be up to the Speaker of the house to decide when, and if, to make the decision public.