Premier John Hamm Introduces Ministerial Code of Conduct

Nova Scotia cabinet ministers now have a clear code of conduct that should help instill greater confidence that government is acting in the public interest.

Premier John Hamm tabled the Ministerial Code of Conduct in the legislature today, fulfilling a commitment to Nova Scotians and making Nova Scotia just the third province in the country with a public standard of conduct for the executive council.

"Cabinet ministers are charged with guarding the public trust," said Premier Hamm. "From time to time, unfortunately, the question has arisen, ‘Who guards the guards?' In Nova Scotia, this code of conduct answers that question."

The code provides the province's Conflict of Interest Commissioner, Justice Merlin Nunn, with new powers and latitude to investigate questions of ministerial conduct referred to him by the House of Assembly or by cabinet. The commissioner may recommend action including suspension, removal or vindication of a minister. The commissioner's report and recommendations would be made public.

Members of the Legislative Assembly would hold the ultimate authority, in that the House would vote to accept or reject the commissioner's recommendations. This is a new power for Nova Scotia's MLAs, who previously had no official legislative voice in assessing the conduct of cabinet.

Legislation enacting the new code will be introduced in the spring. However, the premier made it clear the code is government policy and in effect now.

Its provisions include a $250 limit on gifts ministers may accept and an undertaking that ministers must protect the nonpartisan nature of the civil service.

"The requirement to publicly stand and account for one's actions, remains the single most powerful political check in our democratic society," said Premier Hamm. "The introduction today of this Ministerial Code of Conduct reflects our faith in that process, and our willingness to meet that test."

NOTE TO EDITORS: A backgrounder on the Code of Ministerial Conduct is available; please e-mail [email protected] or call 902-424-4492 for a copy.