Yukon minister brushes off questions about controversial conference invitee

The Yukon government faced questions in the legislature on Wednesday about its association with a controversial U.S. consulting firm.

CBCNewsreported earlier that Dominic Barton, a senior partner in McKinsey& Company, spokeat two events this week in Whitehorse, days after a New York Times story raised questions about the company's work.

The Timesobtained a report prepared by McKinseythatidentified several people who posted negative comments onlineabout Saudi Arabia. According to thenewspaper, the Saudi government later punished those same people.

In a statement last weekend, McKinseysaid it did not prepare itsreport for any government entity.

In the Yukon Legislative Assembly, opposition Leader Stacey Hassardof the YukonParty wanted to know if it was appropriate for the territorial government to be involved witha company that's in the midst of an international controversy.

The Yukon government was a sponsor of the conference where Barton spoke this weekin Whitehorse.

"Even before the Saudi Arabia story, the firm [McKinsey] was linked to another corruption scandal in South Africa earlier this summer," Hassardsaid.

"So does the premier feel that it's appropriate for the Liberal government to associate with an organization linked to the repressive regime in Saudi Arabia, or corruption scandals in South Africa?"

'A big stretch,' minister says

Economic Development Minister Ranj Pillaitook umbrage at being linked to actions in Saudi Arabia, and called Hassard's questions "a big stretch."

"Have I done something wrong? Has my department done something wrong in having this individual come to the Yukon?" Pillai asked in the legislature.

"When you walk in and you're being linked,as an individual and as a minister, to these actions in Saudi Arabia... [it's]quite petty, very unprofessional, quite sad."

Speaking later to reporters, Pillai confirmed it was his idea to bring Barton in for the Opportunities North conference. He alsosaid he had no regrets.

"Would I invite Mr Barton again ... after hearing about one story? At this point in time, I certainly would," Pillaisaid.

Pillaisaid Barton travelled to Yukon at his own expense.

Meanwhile, McKinsey is also a focus of questions in the U.S.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren is urging the firm to be transparent about its relationship with Saudi Arabia. She's asking for an un-redacted copy of itsreport, and a list of all McKinsey contracts with or for the benefit of the Saudi government.