The Office of the Integrity Commissioner was established on December 16, 2016 under the Integrity Commissioner Act as an independent legislative office to encourage and promote a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability in the public sector and the health care sector.
At that time, the Integrity Commissioner took over responsibility for the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act, which sets out acceptable standards of conduct for all Members of the Legislative Assembly, including members of the Executive Council (Cabinet Ministers). All members of the Legislative assembly must file disclosure statements with the Commissioner to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest while fulfilling their obligations to the public as elected officials. The Commissioner may investigate allegations of conflict of interest from any person against members of the Legislative Assembly and has the authority to issue recommendations.
On April 1, 2017, the Commissioner became responsible for the oversight of the Lobbyists’ Registration Act, which calls for transparency and public awareness about who (individuals and organizations) is communicating with public office holders in an attempt to influence government policies and decisions. Lobbyists are required to register with the Commissioner’s Office, which maintains a public registry of lobbying activities.
Following amendments to New Brunswick legislation the responsibility of the Conflict of Interest Act has been transferred to the Office of the Integrity Commissioner. The Conflict of Interest Act sets out acceptable standards for all executive staff members, Deputy Ministers and heads of Crown corporations. They must file disclosure statements with the Commissioner to ensure that there are no conflicts of interest while fulfilling their obligations during the period they hold that office. The Commissioner may inquire into an allegation of conflict of interest from any person against executive staff members, Deputy Ministers and heads of Crown corporations and has the authority to issue recommendations.