S-239
Second Session, Fortieth Parliament,
57-58 Elizabeth II, 2009
SENATE OF CANADA
BILL S-239
An Act to amend the Conflict of Interest Act (gifts)
first reading, June 23, 2009
THE HONOURABLE SENATOR COWAN
4020907
SUMMARY
This enactment amends the Conflict of Interest Act to narrow the circumstances in which public office holders and their families may accept gifts, and to expand the circumstances in which reporting public office holders must make disclosures and public declarations in respect of gifts received by them or their families.
Available on the Parliament of Canada Web Site at the following address:http://www.parl.gc.ca
2nd Session, 40th Parliament,
57-58 Elizabeth II, 2009
senate of canada
BILL S-239
An Act to amend the Conflict of Interest Act (gifts)
2006, c. 9, s. 2
Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:
1. Paragraph 11(2)(b) of the Conflict of Interest Act is replaced by the following:
(b) that is given by a relative or close personal friend; or
2. Section 23 of the Act is replaced by the following:
Disclosure of gifts
23. If the total value of all gifts or other advantages accepted by a reporting public office holder or a member of his or her family exceeds $200 from any one source other than relatives in a 12-month period, the reporting public office holder shall disclose the gifts or other advantages to the Commissioner within 30 days after the day on which the value exceeds $200.
3. Subsection 25(5) of the Act is replaced by the following:
Public declaration — gifts
(5) If a reporting public office holder or a member of his or her family accepts any single gift or other advantage that has a value of $200 or more, other than one from a relative, the reporting public office holder shall, within 30 days after accepting the gift or other advantage, make a public declaration that provides sufficient detail to identify the gift or other advantage accepted, the donor and the circumstances under which it was accepted.
Published under authority of the Senate of CanadaAvailable from:Publishing and Depository ServicesPublic Works and Government Services Canada
Explanatory Notes
Conflict of Interest Act
Clause 1: Relevant portion of subsection 11(2):
(2) Despite subsection (1), a public office holder or member of his or her family may accept a gift or other advantage
. . . 
(b) that is given by a relative or friend; or
. . . 
Clause 2: Existing text of section 23:
23. If the total value of all gifts or other advantages accepted by a reporting public office holder or a member of his or her family exceeds $200 from any one source other than relatives and friends in a 12-month period, the reporting public office holder shall disclose the gifts or other advantages to the Commissioner within 30 days after the day on which the value exceeds $200.
Clause 3: Existing text of subsection 25(5):
(5) If a reporting public office holder or a member of his or her family accepts any single gift or other advantage that has a value of $200 or more, other than one from a relative or friend, the reporting public office holder shall, within 30 days after accepting the gift or other advantage, make a public declaration that provides sufficient detail to identify the gift or other advantage accepted, the donor and the circumstances under which it was accepted.