Alberta government disbands committee tasked with fixing democratic rules

EDMONTON – Alberta’s all-party legislature committee tasked with updating democratic rules is no more.

Democratic Renewal Minister Christina Gray is not renewing the mandate of the special ethics and accountability committee, which was supposed to revitalize conflict-of-interest guidelines, election financing and whistle-blowing rules.

READ MORE: Alberta committee on political ethics hit by allegations of backroom deals 

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

However little work got done before the one-year mandate ended, and Gray blames the opposition for stalling progress with filibusters and political game-playing.

But Progressive Conservative member Richard Starke says the NDP tied up the committee work, and calls the whole process a sham.

READ MORE: Alberta ethics boss urges $100 cap on gifts 

Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark says the decision shows when the going gets tough, the NDP government pulls the parachute rip cord.

Gray says the government will go it alone and introduce a bill in the coming weeks on democratic accountability that will incorporate some of the committee’s work.