Lawyer Appointed to Conduct Inquiry

Kentville lawyer LeRoy Lenethen has been appointed to conduct an inquiry into the actions of Halifax Regional School Board member Bernadette Hamilton-Reid.

Justice Minister Murray Scott made the appointment today, March 15, in response to a request from the school board.

Under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, the Minister of Justice must appoint someone to conduct an inquiry at the request of municipal bodies, including school boards.

"Mr. Lenethen brings a tremendous amount of legal experience to this appointment and we are confident he will serve the board well," said Mr. Scott. "He has extensive legal experience, including serving as senior solicitor for other school boards, and has delivered papers nationally on the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act."

In conducting the investigation, Mr. Lenethen will operate independently from government, and determine the scope and process of the review.

"I am pleased to have been entrusted with this position and look forward to starting the process," said Mr. Lenethen.