CONFLICT OF INTEREST COMMISSIONER, LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Location: Victoria
Salary: $257,404.76.
Deadline: June 20, 2025
On February 24, 2025, the Legislative Assembly appointed the Special Committee to select and unanimously recommend the appointment of the Auditor General, Chief Electoral Officer, and Conflict of Interest Commissioner.
Position Overview
The Conflict of Interest Commissioner (the “Commissioner”) is an officer of the Legislative Assembly appointed as set out in the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act (the “Act”). As a non-partisan officer of the Legislative Assembly, the Commissioner is independent from the executive branch of government, and reports and is accountable to the Legislative Assembly.
The Commissioner works to promote public confidence in Members of the Legislative Assembly (“Members”) as they conduct public business. The Commissioner carries out the duties and powers set out in the Act, which includes meeting with Members to review their financial disclosures, providing advice to Members concerning their obligations under the Act, and conducting inquiries regarding possible contraventions of the Act or Section 25 of the Constitution Act.
Appointment Term and Process
Section 14 (2) of the Act provides that “[o]n the motion of the Premier in the Legislative Assembly and on the recommendation of 2/3 of the members present, the Lieutenant Governor in Council must appoint the person so recommended to the office of commissioner”. In practice, the motion moved by the Premier follows a unanimous recommendation of appointment from an all-party special committee of the Legislative Assembly appointed for the purpose of recommending an individual for appointment as Commissioner (the “Special Committee”). Following a subsequent appointment by the Lieutenant Governor in Council, the Commissioner holds office for a term of five years and may be reappointed, in the same manner, for an additional term or terms.
Location
The Office of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner (the “Office”) is located in Victoria, British Columbia. The Commissioner is expected to reside in the Greater Victoria region, and be available to meet with Members in-person for the duration of their term.
Compensation and Benefits
Pursuant to section 14 (5) of the Act, the Commissioner’s compensation is set by the Lieutenant Governor in Council. For the 2024-25 fiscal year the Commissioner’s salary is $257,404.76.
The Commissioner serves on a three quarter-time basis (0.75 full-time equivalent position). The hours necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of the position may vary throughout the year and the Commissioner is expected to adjust accordingly.
The Commissioner is reimbursed for travel and other expenses incurred in performing the duties of the position and is eligible for enrolment in the Public Service Pension Plan, in accordance with the terms and conditions of that plan. The detailed terms and conditions of appointment and the associated benefits are specified in the letter of offer provided to the recommended candidate by the Special Committee.
Accountability to the Legislative Assembly and Statutory Reporting Requirements
As an officer of the Legislative Assembly (also referred to as a statutory officer), the Commissioner is accountable and reports to the Legislative Assembly through both the Speaker of the Legislative Assembly and through any designated parliamentary committees. The Legislative Assembly has delegated general oversight of statutory officers and their respective offices to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. The oversight delegated to the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services includes considering and making recommendations regarding annual reports, service plans, office budgets, and any other matters that may arise respecting the effective and efficient administration of the Office. Such delegated oversight may be adjusted from time to time by resolution of the Legislative Assembly.
Section 15 of the Act requires that the Commissioner report annually to the Speaker on the work of the Office. Section 21 (3) of the Act requires the Commissioner to report to the Speaker on opinions made on a question referred to the Commissioner by a Member.
Statutory Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities
The Commissioner carries out the powers, duties, and responsibilities set out in the Act, including but not limited to:
providing advice and opinions to Members respecting their obligations under the Act, including meeting with each Member at least annually to review the disclosure of Members’ interests;
receiving Members’ confidential disclosure statements, statements of material change, and gift declarations;
preparing Members’ public disclosure statements, notices of material change, and gift declarations;
providing written opinions on an application by an individual Member, by Executive Council, by the Legislative Assembly, or by a member of the public;
conducting inquiries and giving opinions, including on referred questions of whether a Member has contravened the Act;
undertaking, at the request of the Lieutenant Governor in Council or of the Legislative Assembly, such special assignments as the Commissioner considers appropriate; and
recommending penalties for contraventions of the Act.
Financial and Human Resources Management
The Commissioner is accountable for the effective and efficient administration of the Office. As the head of the Office, the Commissioner has managerial authority over Office employees, currently 2.6 full-time equivalent positions. The Office’s operating budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year is $893,000.
In addition to reporting annually to the Speaker, on the work of the Office, the Commissioner is expected to undertake multi-year planning for the Office, which may include goals and performance measures, as required by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services on an annual basis. The Commissioner is also expected to provide accurate and fiscally responsible budget proposals, forecasts, and reporting in alignment with the expectations set by the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services. The Commissioner is expected to ensure that the Office has policies and procedures in place to ensure the responsible management of financial and human resources, including standards of conduct and respectful workplace policies applicable to the Office’s staff.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
A post-secondary qualification in a relevant field of study, such as law or public administration
Experience analyzing, interpreting, and applying legal principles and statutory provisions
Experience upholding principles of administrative and procedural fairness and natural justice in the conduct of inquiries
Experience in financial, human resources, and organizational management in a senior capacity
Experience communicating with the public, media, and senior officials
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge
Knowledge of the principles of conflict of interest for decision-makers and the role of the Commissioner
Knowledge of the context within which the Commissioner operates, including the Legislative Assembly and its parliamentary committees, the Executive Council, government, and the public service
Leadership
Strong leadership skills, including the ability to manage, motivate, and develop strong relationships with staff, based on trust, respect, effective communication, and common goals
Ability to build and maintain a respectful and inclusive workplace culture
Ability to demonstrate strategic thinking and long-term vision to set and achieve organizational goals and lead organizational change
Organizational Management
Organizational management skills including managing assets effectively and preparing organizational budgets while exercising discretion in spending matters
Ability to promote public accountability and transparency in the work of the Office
Ability to improve organizational performance by identifying, promoting, or introducing previously unknown or untried procedures
Communication and Relationship-Building
Demonstrated collaboration and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing
Ability to articulate the importance of promoting public confidence in Members and explain the substance of and rationale behind decisions and recommendations made pursuant to the Act
Ability to build effective relationships with Members, parliamentary committees, and government
Ability to interact effectively and respectfully with Indigenous peoples, as well as communities and individuals from diverse backgrounds
Analysis and Judgement
Ability to make sound and impartial decisions in routine, sensitive, and public matters
Strong problem-solving aptitude and ability to conceptualize new strategies and approaches to addressing complex issues and organizational needs
Ability to consistently apply legislative and regulatory requirements to specific circumstances
Personal Suitability
Demonstrated record of non-partisanship
High degree of integrity and strong personal and professional ethics
Commitment to the values of impartiality, fairness, transparency, and accountability
Respected in chosen career and in the community at large
Personal Conduct
The Commissioner is expected to uphold their oath of office, abide by all policies of the Office, and create, foster, and maintain a safe and positive work environment for all staff and in their interactions with Members and staff of the Legislative Assembly. This includes modelling respectful and professional conduct expected of a senior public officeholder.
The appointment of the Commissioner will be subject to the successful completion of a criminal record check.
Application Process & Deadline
The Special Committee is currently accepting applications for all three positions. The deadline to apply is June 20, 2025 at 5:00 pm. If you are interested in applying for one of the statutory officer positions, please submit your CV and cover letter by email to StatutoryOfficers2025@leg.bc.ca and include in the subject line the position for which you are applying.
