New Ethics and Integrity Commissioner appointed
The provincial government has appointed Brian Waddell, KC, as the new Ethics and Integrity Commissioner to serve a five-year term.
As Ethics and Integrity Commissioner, Mr. Waddell will provide independent oversight and advice on accountability, ethics, and governance matters, supporting senior leaders across the provincial government. He previously worked as a lawyer for over 31 years in private practice until he retired in 2016.
“I would like to congratulate Brian Waddell on his appointment as Ethics and Integrity Commissioner. We are pleased to see him take on this important role and I know his extensive legal experience over three decades will serve him well in this position. I would also like to thank Jessie Frost-Wicks, former Ethics and Integrity Commissioner, for her service and the valuable work she carried out in this role.”
-Premier Rob Lantz
Established in 2015, the role helps ensure that government operations are carried out with strong ethical standards and integrity, while supporting public confidence in government. The commissioner also provides advice to the executive branch on conflict of interest matters within government departments and agencies.
Mr. Waddell started in the role July 6, 2026.
Media Contacts:
Nicole Yeba
Executive Council Office
ntyeba@gov.pe.ca
Backgrounder:
Brian Waddell biography
Brian Waddell, KC, graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) in 1976. He earned a law degree (LLB) from the University of New Brunswick (UNB) in 1979 and was admitted to the bar in Alberta in 1982 and PEI in 1986.
Waddell retired from private legal practice in April 2016 after a 31-year career with Stewart McKelvey, where he served as Senior Partner and specialized in family law, commercial litigation, and workers’ compensation matters.
In 2018, he completed a one-year contract as Interim Worker Advisor with the Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning, providing guidance on workers’ compensation appeals. In 2020, he served for nine months as an advisor to the PEI Director of Child Protection, supporting the development of new child protection legislation.
Waddell was appointed as Ethics and Integrity Commissioner in July 2026.