Alberta UCP Proposes Exempting Most Political Staffers from Ethics Rules

Critics warn the changes could erode transparency and accountability in government decision-making.

A United Conservative Party (UCP) committee has recommended exempting most political staffers from Alberta's conflict of interest rules, which currently regulate gifts and benefits.
The proposed changes would remove junior political staff, deputy ministers, and senior public servants from the act, while keeping elected officials and senior political staff bound by the rules.
Opposition NDP critic Irfan Sabir has condemned the proposal, arguing it would make Alberta's government the most secretive and corrupt in Canada, with ethical breaches investigated by the premier's chief of staff.
UCP representatives defended the recommendation, stating it aligns Alberta's rules with other provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, aiming for clarity and consistency.
The recommendation follows loosened ethics rules introduced last year, which allowed political staff to accept certain gifts and benefits with less stringent reporting requirements.