The Alberta Securities Commission’s part-time commissioners issued a vote of confidence in the ASC’s senior executives that have been embroiled in controversy over alleged employee and regulatory favouritism.

In a statement from the commissioners’ lawyer, Alan Hunter, they indicated that they, “have full confidence in the integrity and competence of Messrs. Sibold and Linder, respectively the chair and executive director of the Alberta Securities Commission, and in their ability to continue to carry out their responsibilities in the offices which they hold.”

Sibold’s term ends May 7, and a replacement has yet to be named.

They added that they have “full confidence in the integrity and competence” of the commission’s general counsel, Denise Hendrickson, and, “her performance and conduct throughout her employment at the Alberta Securities Commission, was and is exceptional and, are entirely in support of her appointment.”

The statement also indicated that the commissioners are in the process of engaging outside management consultants to advise them, “with respect to future human resources strategies”.

In the Alberta legislature, Finance minister Shirley McClellan said that an investigation into the allegations revealed, “… that the enforcement policies of the Alberta Securities Commission have been applied and continue to be applied consistently and fairly and with an even hand.”

As for the HR issues, she pledged that they will be addressed by the ASC’s HR committee.