Boyd found in conflict of interest

Kindersley MLA Bill Boyd has been found in a conflict of interest and has left the Saskatchewan Party caucus.

Boyd was already due to leave office as an MLA anyway on Sept. 1. But he resigned from caucus immediately following release of a report of the conflict of interest commissioner, who ruled Boyd had fallen below the standards expected of the legislature.

The misconduct involved Boyd’s trip to China earlier this year in which he had sought investors for a private irrigation business. In that trip, Boyd’s promotional material had incorporated the government of Saskatchewan logo and had referred to himself as a minister of the Crown.

The conflict commissioner Ron Barclay ruled Monday that Boyd had inaccurately presented the government of Saskatchewan’s involvement in the venture, and that violated the conflict of interest rules.

In a statement, Boyd accepted the ruling.

“I spoke with the Conflict of Interest Commissioner this morning and thanked him for his report,” Boyd said.

“I accept the Commissioner's report and take full responsibility for my actions. It never was my intention to be in a conflict in any way, however, I made an error in judgement and for that, I am truly sorry. I would like to apologize to Premier Wall, all MLA's and the Saskatchewan people. I have resigned from caucus effective immediately.”