Prime Minister nominates next Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is pleased to announce the nomination of Ms. Mary Elizabeth Dawson, Q.C. as the new Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner. 

A former Associate Deputy Minister of Justice, Ms. Dawson is a highly respected public servant, recognized for her considerable experience and expertise in constitutional and administrative law.  Ms. Dawson joined the public service in 1967 and held positions of increasing scope and responsibilities within the Department of Justice, until her retirement in 2005.

“Ms. Dawson is well-suited to take on this important role.  She possesses extraordinary professionalism, integrity and demonstrated leadership,” said the Prime Minister.  “In light of her legal expertise and extensive background in administrative justice, I am confident that Ms. Dawson possesses the qualities and skills required to successfully carry out the duties and functions of this important public office.  I am pleased that she has agreed to be nominated for this position,” added the Prime Minister.

During her career, Ms. Dawson oversaw the drafting of numerous statutes related to ethics, professional regulation and discipline, and judicial and quasi-judicial bodies, including the Canada Labour Code, the Canadian Human Rights Act, the Federal Courts Act, and the Judges Act.  Additionally, Ms. Dawson served as Chairperson of the Statute Revision Commission, which is responsible for revising and consolidating federal statutes.

An Officer of the House of Commons, the Commissioner will be responsible for administering the new Conflict of Interest Act, which sets out clear conflict of interest and post-employment rules applicable to public office holders. The Commissioner will also be responsible for administering the Conflict of Interest Code for Members of the House of Commons.

The Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, will table, pursuant to Standing Order 111.1, this proposed appointment for referral to the Standing Committee on Access to Information, Privacy and Ethics.

Biographical notes attached.

MARY ELIZABETH DAWSON, Q.C.

Mary Elizabeth Dawson most recently served as Associate Deputy Minister of Justice from 1988 until her retirement from the public service in 2005. Ms. Dawson began her career in the public service in 1967 as a researcher with the Department of National Revenue, before joining the Department of Justice in 1968, where she held positions of increasing scope and responsibilities. 

Ms. Dawson held the position of Associate Chief Legislative Counsel from 1980 to 1986. She was personally involved in the drafting of numerous pieces of legislation, including key statutes such as the Constitution Act, 1982, including the Canadian Charter of Human Rights and Freedoms, as well as the Meech Lake Accord and the Charlottetown Accord.  She also drafted the Official Languages Act, the Access to Information Act, the Privacy Act and the Clarity Act.

Ms. Dawson served as Assistant Deputy Minister, then Associate Deputy Minister responsible for the Public Law Sector within the Department of Justice and in that capacity, was responsible for the provision of legal and policy advice, as well as the development of legislative initiatives in public law areas, most notably constitutional law. 

Concurrent with these responsibilities, Ms. Dawson was appointed by the Minister of Justice in 1980 as a member, then in 1987 as Chairperson of the Statute Revision Commission, a legislative body responsible for revising and consolidating the public general statutes of Canada. She served in this capacity until 1993. 

In 1995, Ms. Dawson became Associate Deputy Minister with responsibility for the Constitutional Affairs and Canadian Unity Section and, as such, supported the Minister of Justice, the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and the Prime Minister, through the Clerk of the Privy Council, on all constitutional matters.

Throughout her tenure with the Department of Justice, Ms. Dawson also contributed at a corporate level to the management of the Department. In particular, Ms. Dawson served for several years as the final level of adjudication for grievances in the Department of Justice.

Ms. Dawson holds a Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) and a Bachelor of Civil Law from McGill University, a Bachelor of Laws from Dalhousie University and a post-graduate degree in Public Law from the University of Ottawa.  Ms. Dawson was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1978.