The Provincial Government has accepted the recommendation of the House of Assembly Management Commission, and today suspended the Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner for Legislative Standards.  The suspension will be in effect until an independent review of the findings of the Citizens’ Representative regarding allegations raised at Elections NL is completed.

The Provincial Government had referred the full, un-redacted Citizens’ Representative’s report to the House of Assembly Management Commission, which is composed of members of the three political parties out of respect for the independence of statutory offices.  The House of Assembly Management Commission  is responsible for overseeing the administration of the statutory offices.

Effective immediately, Travis Wooley, who was previously in the position of assistant Chief Electoral Officer, will serve as the acting Chief Electoral Officer. Ann Chafe, who recently retired from her role as commissioner of the Public Service Commission, will serve as the acting Commissioner for Legislative Standards.

Statutory offices operate independently from government.  Given the need to operate independently from the Provincial Government they report to the House of Assembly and include the Chief Electoral Officer, Commissioner for Legislative Standards, the Citizens’ Representative, Seniors’ Advocate, Child and Youth Advocate, Auditor General and Information and Privacy Commissioner.

The Honourable John Hogan, QC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General, will be available to media at 2:00 p.m. today (Tuesday, June 28) outside of the House of Assembly.

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“Today’s decision reflects the importance of following proper processes when we are dealing with allegations of misconduct.  As with any human resources matter of this nature, the individual involved will be on leave while further reviews are completed.  The Office of the Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner for Legislative Standards play an important role and acting appointments are being made to ensure that  the public can have confidence that the work of these offices can continue.  The independent review will be important in this process.”
Honourable John Hogan, QC
Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General

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Media contact
Lesley Clarke
Department of Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5188, 699-2910
lesleyclarke@gov.nl.ca