A recent decision by the interim ethics commissioner prohibiting a Conservative MP from debates relating to certain bills concerning high food prices needs more clarifying details if other members of Parliament are to know how to avoid potential conflicts of interest in similar situations, according to public law experts. Conservative MP Scott Reid (Lanark-Frontenac-Kingston, Ont.) received a letter from interim ethics commissioner Konrad von Finckenstein on Oct.
6 informing him that he should recuse himself from discussions in the House concerning retail grocery prices because of Reid's own private interests as chair of the board of Giant Tiger stores. Reid may not participate in debates or votes relating to Bill C-56, the Affordable Housing and Groceries Act, and Bill C-352, the Lowering Prices for Canadians Act, according to the lette