Natalia Zhou

Conflict of interest screens are preventive compliance measures, agreed upon pursuant to section 29 of the Conflict of Interest Act (Act) by a public office holder and the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner, to assist public office holders in avoiding conflicts of interest. Screens also seek to minimize the possibility of conflicts arising between the public duties of the public office holder and their private interests or those of their relatives and friends.
The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner and I have agreed that a conflict of interest screen is an appropriate compliance measure for me, aimed at preventing any opportunity to further the private interests of my friend, Mr. Philip Baldwin, Consultant, TACTIX Government Relations and Public Affairs or to give preferential treatment to TACTIX Government Relations and Public Affairs or his clients, while I exercise my official powers, duties and functions as a reporting public office holder.
Accordingly, I have agreed to abstain from any discussion or decision in relation to Mr. Baldwin, TACTIX Government Relations and Public Affairs and his clients. I also agree not to have any communication with government officials in relation to any matter or decision-making processes affecting my friend’s interests.
This screen is administered by the Director of Policy to ensure that I am neither made aware of nor participate in any official matters or decision-making processes involving my relative's private interests, unless the interest relates to a decision or matter that is of general application.
My minister, chief of staff, colleagues and necessary public servants have been informed in writing about this conflict of interest screen.
I have undertaken to inform the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner at the earliest opportunity of all changes of which I become aware that relate to or should form part of the above list of matters caught by this screen. In the event that I am made aware of a matter forming part of this screen or any such matter comes before me, I am required under section 21 of the Act to recuse myself from that matter.
I must so inform the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner and, where appropriate, make a public declaration of recusal pursuant to subsection 25(1) of the Act.

Obligation to provide a confidential report has been met and all initial reporting and compliance measures have been taken to comply with the Conflict of Interest Act.