The Senate ethics watchdog has determined that Senator Michael MacDonald of the Conservative Party violated the code of conduct by engaging in a heated rant during the “Freedom Convoy” protest last year and refusing to cooperate with an investigation into his behavior. In a video recording from February 2022, MacDonald can be heard berating residents of downtown Ottawa who expressed their concerns about the ongoing demonstrations against COVID-19 restrictions and the Liberal government. He described the residents as overpaid and underworked, criticizing their entitlement and lack of work ethic. He also referred to his own wife as “a Karen” for opposing the protests. Despite police orders to disperse, MacDonald expressed his support for the protesters. MacDonald apologized for his remarks in the Senate, citing alcohol consumption as a contributing factor.
The Senate ethics officer, Pierre Legault, has determined that MacDonald violated six sections of the code that governs senators, which has had a significant impact on the integrity of the institution. Legault stated that senators are expected to represent and respect Canadians, not insult or mock them, especially during a state of emergency. He criticized MacDonald for intentionally refusing to be filmed and failing to exercise dignified reserve and restraint. MacDonald’s comments were deemed to have reflected adversely on his position as a senator and brought negative attention to the Senate.
The investigation was initiated by nine of MacDonald’s fellow senators, who filed complaints against him. MacDonald acknowledged his shortcomings and agreed to follow two of the recommendations made by the ethics officer: publicly apologize in the Senate and on social media. However, he rejected the third recommendation to acknowledge that his conduct could warrant a censure, arguing that his actions did not violate any laws or misuse Senate resources.
MacDonald’s lawyer claimed that the request for him to acknowledge the possibility of a censure violated his parliamentary privilege and the independence of the Senate. The ethics office and MacDonald’s lawyer engaged in a prolonged exchange of letters, during which the senator refused to answer certain questions he deemed irrelevant or politically biased.
Legault expressed disappointment at MacDonald’s lack of cooperation, stating that it demonstrated a blatant disregard for the investigation process outlined in the code of conduct. As a result, Legault is recommending sanctions or penalties by the Senate against MacDonald, as his conduct has caused significant harm to the office of senator and the institution of the Senate.
The Senate’s conflict-of-interest committee will review the report and may conduct hearings on the matter. MacDonald, who has been a senator since 2009, expressed his willingness to discuss the report with the committee.
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