Paul Fraser, B.C.’s conflict of interest commissioner, is being remembered as a man whose commitment to ethics earned him the respect of both colleagues and those he was investigating.
Fraser died Friday after a brief illness. He was 78.
Fraser was serving his third term as conflict commissioner after being appointed in 2008. He previously worked as a litigation lawyer in Vancouver, handling both civil and criminal cases.
Fraser took on many high-profile cases, including an investigation into former premier Christy Clark’s attendance at B.C. Liberal Party fundraisers. Clark was cleared of any conflict.
In a tweet, Clark said: “Paul Fraser was of the finest men I’ve met. He had character — the old-fashioned kind that included courtesy and respect for others. He also WAS a character — his many stories would leave you crying with laughter. Those of us who worked with him will cherish those memories.”
Fraser also dismissed a conflict complaint against Attorney General David Eby over recall legislation that the Liberals said would protect Eby against a future recall.
“The conflict of interest commissioner and I had a good relationship. It was tested by fire, there’s no question about it,” Eby said on Monday. “I’m really sad to hear about his passing. My heart goes out to his family and his friends, the people who loved him, and I certainly appreciate all the work he’s done for British Columbians.”
Fraser chaired two federal commissions and investigated former Alberta premier Alison Redford over allegations she was in conflict when she selected her former husband’s law firm to be involved in litigation against the tobacco industry in 2016.
During his legal career, Fraser served as president of the Canadian Bar Association, the Commonwealth Lawyers Association and the Canadian Section of the International Commission of Jurists.
Fraser was special counsel to Lloyd Axworthy when he was federal minister of foreign affairs under the Liberal government of Jean Chrétien.
“He will be remembered not only for his wisdom and professionalism, but for his warmth, generosity of spirit, sense of humour and joie de vivre,” the office of the conflict of interest commissioner said in a statement. “Mr. Fraser will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues in Victoria and across the country, and especially by his loving family, to whom he was devoted.”
Alyne Mochan, a legal officer who worked with Fraser in the commissioner’s office during the last decade, said his colleagues are shattered by the news.
“He was so well respected by all the members and the staff here. We thought he was wonderful — we just love him so much,” Mochan said. “He wasn’t just a colleague — he was a good man and a good friend. It’s a big loss for the province and all of us personally, and for his family.”
Premier John Horgan called Fraser a dedicated public servant “who served with integrity and worked to maintain public confidence in elected officials.”
“His actions reflect a deep commitment to strengthening the public institutions British Columbians count on,” Horgan said in a statement.
Speaker Darryl Plecas noted that Fraser was unanimously endorsed for the role of conflict commissioner in 2008 and his two re-appointments also had unanimous support.
“This, in itself, speaks to how highly members have regarded his service and his advice over the years,” Plecas said in a statement. “Those who were fortunate to know him will remember him as a man of character, dedication, and integrity.”
Health Minister Adrian Dix wrote on Twitter: “I knew Paul Fraser as an intelligent, generous and kind person. I am saddened and shocked at his passing and wish to express my deepest sympathies to his family and many friends. He will be greatly missed.”
Liberal Leader Andrew Wilkinson said on Twitter: “Sending my condolences to the family of Paul Fraser during this difficult time. He was a well-respected, honourable man and above all, a good friend.”
