News Release

From the Prime Minister's Web Site (http://www.pm.gc.ca/)

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PRIME MINISTER ANNOUNCES INTERIM ETHICS COMMISSIONER

April 2, 2007
Ottawa, Ontario

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced that Robert F. Benson, the current Deputy Ethics Commissioner, has been appointed to serve as Interim Ethics Commissioner, following the resignation of Bernard Shapiro. This appointment is effective April 2, 2007.

"I am pleased that Mr. Benson has agreed to take on these important responsibilities", said the Prime Minister. "I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Shapiro, who served as Ethics Commissioner since May 17, 2004."

The Government remains fully committed to enhancing integrity and accountability. The Government intends to announce a nominee for the new Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner position in the near future, for consideration by the House of Commons.

Biographical notes are attached.

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ROBERT F. BENSON

Robert F. Benson has served as Deputy Ethics Commissioner since the creation of the Office of the Ethics Commissioner in May 2004. Prior to that date and since September 1989, Mr. Benson held the position of Deputy Ethics Counsellor with the Office of the Ethics Counsellor. A lawyer by profession, Mr. Benson was also Executive Director of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police External Review Committee and Legal Counsel with the Department of Justice and the Judge Advocate General.

Mr. Benson holds a Bachelor of Science from Carleton University, as well as a Baccalaureate of Laws from the University of Ottawa. Mr. Benson is a member of the Bar of Ontario.

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The Prime Minister's Office - Communications
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