Former N.W.T. conflict commissioner to head probe into premier's affair

An inquiry into whether N.W.T. Premier Floyd Roland was in a conflict of interest by not disclosing his extramarital affair with a legislative assembly officer last year will be led by the territory's former ethics commissioner.

Ted Hughes was appointed as the sole adjudicator into the matter Wednesday morning by the assembly's board of management, chaired by Speaker Paul Delorey.

Hughes's appointment has to be formally ratified by N.W.T. Commissioner Tony Whitford.

Current Conflict of Interest Commissioner Gerald Gerrand called for the inquiry in a report tabled last week. Gerrand ruled that it's reasonable to believe Roland's romantic affair with Patricia Russell compromised his duty to the legislature and the public.

Gerrand's investigation began after six MLAs filed a complaint in February, raising concerns that Russell, who was then a legislative clerk, might have shared with Roland confidential information from MLAs' committee meetings.

Roland is also accused of violating his duty to arrange his private affairs so that they do not conflict with the public's trust.

Roland has rejected those allegations. Russell no longer works at the legislative assembly, although she remains a government employee.

As the sole adjudicator handling the inquiry, Hughes will have to submit a report to Delorey either dismissing the complaint against Roland or finding that Roland is guilty of a conflict of interest, according to a news release.

Hughes can then recommend certain sanctions against Roland to MLAs.

Hughes will have sweeping powers to obtain documents and seek testimony from witnesses if necessary. He also has the power to decide whether or not to hold any public hearings.

No schedule has been set for hearings to date.