Bill Boyd out of Sask. Party after conflict of interest breach

Bill Boyd is out of the Saskatchewan Party caucus following a ruling from the conflict of interest commissioner that he fell below the standards expected of an MLA.

The report into a business trip Boyd took to China earlier in the year was released by the commissioner Monday. Ron Barclay stated Boyd breached the Conflict of Interest Act and misrepresented the government’s involvement in his farm irrigation project.

Even though it was a private trip, Boyd was advertised as being a member of cabinet when he wasn’t and Government of Saskatchewan logos were used.

As a result, Wall asked for and accepted Boyd’s resignation just four days before the Kindersley MLA was due to retire from politics.

“I take very seriously the commissioner’s findings and believe his removal from caucus for his remaining few days as an MLA is warranted,” Wall said in an email.

The report has also been sent to the Ministry of Justice to consider whether any further legal action is required.

In an email, Boyd apologized for his “error in judgment” and insisted, “it was never my intention to be in a conflict in any way.”