The filter “anti-conflicts of interest” between Trudeau and the Aga Khan

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Sarah Bélisle

Friday, January 26, 2018 17:56

UPDATE
Friday, January 26, 2018 17:56

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OTTAWA – The prime minister, Justin Trudeau has officially set up a filter anti-conflict of interest between him and the Aga Khan, in the wake of the controversy created by his trip on the private island of the rich philanthropist in the Bahamas.

Mr. Trudeau, therefore, must ” abstain with respect to any matter, discussion or decision, other than [his] participation in activities or meetings of such a nature protocol, aimed specifically at the interests [of] the Aga Khan and his institutions “, one can read in a statement from the prime minister, now online on the website of the Office of the conflict of interest and ethics in Canada.

In his report submitted at the end of December, the ethics commissioner concluded that the first minister had breached four articles of the Law on conflict of interest when he stayed on the private island of the spiritual leader during the Holidays, from December 26, 2016 January 4, 2017.

The commissioner indicated that this “gift” of the spiritual leader can “reasonably be inferred” that it has been offered for “influence” Justin Trudeau ” in the exercise of his office as prime minister.

Mr. Trudeau had to apologize.

“I’ve always thought the Aga Khan as a close friend of the family, had insisted on the prime minister in December. This is why I did not approve this trip as a family. But having regard to the report of the commissioner, I will take all the precautions in the future. “

That is what it is ?

The Commissioner explained that a filter anti-conflict-of-interest is a ” preventative measure-formal to avoid cases that represent a real or potential conflict of interest. As soon as a filter anti-conflict of interest is established, the issues that could place the public office holder in a conflict of interest are simply not brought to its attention; thus, the issue of recusal does not arise “.

The filter will be administered by the chief of cabinet of Mr. Trudeau and the clerk of the privy Council and secretary to the cabinet.