Opposition bill takes aim at conflicts of interest

By Lethbridge Herald on November 7, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

Alberta’s New Democrats are introducing legislation to crack down on conflicts of interest and tighten rules around gifts and political influence, through Bill 202: the Conflicts of Interest (Ethical Governance) Amendment Act.

During a news conference ahead of the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi said it is time for Albertans to act, as the province is dealing with the most corrupt government in Alberta’s history.

“We’ve seen patterns of corruptions from luxury skyboxes to government contracts worth hundreds of millions or billions of dollars given to friends of the UCP. This is troubling and it is a pattern,” said Nenshi.  

In 2023, the UCP government raised the threshold for gifts MLAs can accept without Ethics Commissioner approval from $200 to $500. They also increased the limit for event tickets MLAs can accept without disclosure, from $400 to $1,000. 

“From Hockeygate, to Turkish Tylenol, to CorruptCare, this government has eroded public trust,” said Nenshi. “Albertans should be able to trust their government to serve the public, not themselves and their friends. It’s time for ethical, competent governance, now.”

On Thursday Kyle Kasawski, MLA for Sherwood Park and Alberta’s New Democrat Shadow Minister for Affordability and Utilities, tabled Private Members’ Bill 202 which proposes targeted changes to the Conflicts of Interest Act.

“This bill is about restoring integrity to government. The bill proposes stronger gift rules, stronger codes of conduct for political staff, an expanded definition of conflicts of interest, and expanded restrictions on how elected officials can use their influence for self-serving purposes,” said Nenshi. 

Bill 202, the Conflicts of Interest (Ethical Governance) Amendment Act, proposes:

• Stricter gift rules for ministers, MLAs, and ministerial staff. This would include ethics commissioner approval and mandatory disclosure to the commissioner within 15 days on gifts valued at $100 or more. Gifts to ministers and their staff from lobbyists or those with business before the Crown would be prohibited.

• A strengthened mandatory code of conduct for political staff, with clear rules on gifts, disclosure, and the role of the Ethics Commissioner in investigating breaches.

• An expanded definition of conflict of interest beyond direct conflicts to include situations where a member’s decisions may appear to be influenced by private interests.

• Expanded restrictions for MLAs on influence, prohibiting members from using their position to sway any decision that benefits themselves or close associates.

Kasawski said that as MLAs, they have a duty to serve Albertans, not themselves. That their job is a privilege, and they owe it to those who elected them to maintain the highest standards of ethics and integrity.

“When we become MLAs, we take an oath of office. It’s a commitment to selfless service to Alberta and to the rule of law. The oath reminds us that we govern not by force, not by favor, but by the laws that protect the public interest,” said Kasawski.

He said in democracy, elected representatives do not govern alone, they rely on trusted advisors and political staff to help them do the work of governing.

“That’s why it’s important that those individuals, especially those closest to the Premier, are held to the same ethical standard as elected officials. Unfortunately, under the UCP, that hasn’t been the case,” said Kasawski.

He said Albertans have seen unelected insiders wield enormous influence, often more than cabinet ministers themselves, and yet they have operated with fewer rules and less oversight. 

“After years of UCP ministers accepting lavish gifts and perks, while everyday Albertans are struggling with affordability, we can do better,” said Kasawski.

If passed, this legislation would come into force on July 1, 2026.