N.W.T. minister cleared of conflict of interest

The Transportation Minister of the Northwest Territories has been cleared in a conflict of interest investigation.

Dave Ramsay's family filled empty seats on a charter flight meant to transport government officials from Yellowknife to the opening ceremonies of the Deh Cho Bridge in Fort Providence, N.W.T., in November.

A new report says the Department of Transportation went against government policy. It said family members must pay their own way, and can't just fill empty seats.

After the report came out, family members who took up an empty seat paid up. For Ramsay, the total came to $360. The Department of Transportation also admitted it made a mistake.

Yellowknife Centre MLA Robert Hawkins brought the issue forward.

Ramsay said Hawkins overreacted, and that Hawkins singled him out. Ramsay's wasn't the only one with family on the plane that dayHawkins said he reported the Minister because he represents the department.

"A verbal discussion agreed upon by the transportation minister, so he's the one who said let's take family," said Hawkins.

Ramsay said there is a more important question to be asked about how Hawkins got the documents from Air Tindi. Hawkins said he just called the airline and asked for them.