Minister To Refer Reid Inquiry to Court

Justice Minister Murray Scott will refer the findings of an inquiry into the actions of Halifax Regional School Board member Bernadette Reid to the Supreme Court and Halifax Regional Police.

In March 2006 the Halifax Regional School Board asked the minister to appoint someone to conduct an inquiry into the actions of Ms. Reid. Under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, the Minister of Justice must call an inquiry at the request of municipal bodies, including school boards.

On Sept. 29, the inquiry report was received. Under the act, the Minister of Justice may apply to the Supreme Court to determine if a board member has contravened the act. If the judge finds the member contravened the act, the judge must declare the seat vacant.

Based on the information in the report, the matter will be referred to the Supreme Court. The inquiry report will also be provided to Halifax Regional Police to determine if a police investigation is warranted.