Opposition calls for probe of N.S. minister Michel Samson over ferry funds

HALIFAX – Nova Scotia’s Opposition is accusing a senior Liberal cabinet minister of violating the province’s Conflict of Interest Act.

Tory critic Chris d’Entremont, in a letter to conflict of interest commissioner Merlin Nunn, says an investigation is needed of comments made last week by Economic Development Minister Michel Samson.

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D’Entremont alleges Samson violated the act last Thursday because the minister was “not truthful or forthright to the public” when responding to reporters’ questions about the Yarmouth-to-Maine ferry.

The letter says Samson was unequivocal when he said the government had not given the ferry operators more than the $26 million in public funds already disclosed.

However, d’Entremont says Samson wasn’t being truthful because the minister confirmed on Thursday he had known about $2.5 million in additional spending since Dec. 23.

Defending his actions, Samson said he had planned to disclose the spending but not until he could make an announcement that included good news about the ferry’s pending operating schedule.