Edmonton - An investigation into a fundraiser held by Alberta’s Envoy to Asia Gary Mar has cleared Mar of all wrongdoing.
In early March, a concern was raised that Mar may have used his position with the Government of Alberta to raise money to pay off debt incurred by Mar during his run for PC leadership. Financial statements showed he incurred a $262,000 deficit from the campaign.
On March 1, Mar held a fundraiser at the Edmonton Petroleum Club. Tickets were $400 each, and guests heard Mar speak about conducting business in Hong Kong. A trip to Hong Kong was also auctioned off.
Premier Alison Redford asked Peter Watson, Deputy Minister of Executive Council to look into the allegations. Watson is responsible for investigations regarding the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service, which applies to senior officials in the Government of Alberta.
Watson hired an independent investigator to help examine the allegations, and also used outside legal counsel for the review.
In the findings, released Friday afternoon, the review has cleared Mar of wrong-doing. The report determined Mar was not involved in the direct solicitation of funds from the dinner, none of the funds raised from the dinner would be paid to him, and no special access was provided to or expected by the winner of the Hong Kong trip.
Based on those results, Watson found there was no conflict of interest under the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service, and he’s directed Mar return to his position.
Mar will be returning to Hong Kong next week.
In early March, a concern was raised that Mar may have used his position with the Government of Alberta to raise money to pay off debt incurred by Mar during his run for PC leadership. Financial statements showed he incurred a $262,000 deficit from the campaign.
On March 1, Mar held a fundraiser at the Edmonton Petroleum Club. Tickets were $400 each, and guests heard Mar speak about conducting business in Hong Kong. A trip to Hong Kong was also auctioned off.
Premier Alison Redford asked Peter Watson, Deputy Minister of Executive Council to look into the allegations. Watson is responsible for investigations regarding the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service, which applies to senior officials in the Government of Alberta.
Watson hired an independent investigator to help examine the allegations, and also used outside legal counsel for the review.
In the findings, released Friday afternoon, the review has cleared Mar of wrong-doing. The report determined Mar was not involved in the direct solicitation of funds from the dinner, none of the funds raised from the dinner would be paid to him, and no special access was provided to or expected by the winner of the Hong Kong trip.
Based on those results, Watson found there was no conflict of interest under the Code of Conduct and Ethics for the Public Service, and he’s directed Mar return to his position.
Mar will be returning to Hong Kong next week.
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