B.C. NDP fires back at Greens over AI minister's stock holdings
British Columbia's NDP government responded Friday to accusations that its AI minister has a conflict of interest by pointing out that a Green Party legislator holds similar investments.
Green Leader Emily Lowan released a video calling Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence Rick Glumac a "big-time investor" who is "potentially lining his pockets" and "putting our future in danger." Her complaint centered on Glumac's $4,000 investment in an exchange-traded fund called Global X Artificial Intelligence & Technology (AIQ), which holds shares in more than 80 tech companies including Oracle, Tesla, and Palantir.
The NDP noted that Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote's disclosure statement lists similar funds containing Oracle and Tesla stock.
Conflict commissioner gave clearance
Glumac consulted B.C.'s conflict of interest commissioner more than two months before the video appeared. In a Jan. 9 letter, Commissioner Jeffrey Schnoor wrote that the investment was "not substantial" and unlikely to create conflicts under provincial law.
"I am therefore satisfied that no concerns are likely to arise under the Members' Conflict of Interest Act in relation to your holdings in AIQ," Schnoor said in the letter distributed by the NDP.
Schnoor added a caveat: "However, as I mentioned, the public may have a different view of whether AIQ is an appropriate investment given your ministerial portfolio, but that is a matter of your own best political judgment."
Minister taking additional steps
Glumac handed over management of his investment portfolio to an adviser last month and is updating his public disclosure form, according to a government spokesman. The minister did not make himself available for an interview.
In the video, Valeriote and fellow Green MLA Rob Botterell called for Glumac to consult the conflict of interest commissioner - a step he had already completed.
For government professionals overseeing AI policy, understanding conflict management and regulatory frameworks is essential. Learn more about AI governance and policy analysis.
Your membership also unlocks:
