Wes Sheridan questioned further on London gaming trip

P.E.I. Finance Minister Wes Sheridan faced another barrage of questions in the Legislature Friday about a trip to London, U.K. in 2012 to explore online gaming possibilities.

On Thursday Opposition leader Steven Myers wanted to know why the cost of the trip and who paid for it were not disclosed in his ministerial expenses.

Sheridan had responded he went to London in 2012 to take part in an international conference on gaming, ICE Totally Gaming 2012,as part of an initiative to set up a regulatory body on P.E.I. for online gambling. He said he couldn't remember who paid for it, and he would present that information Friday.

Responding to questions Friday, Sheridan said the trip was paid for by the gaming initiative of Prince Edward Island.

Myers said Sheridan should have disclosed the trip on his expenses.

At any time in the last two years did you file a disclosure statement with the conflict of interest commissioner with regards to your secret London gaming junket, he asked during question period.

Sheridan said there was no need to file a disclosure since the trip was not paid for a private company and he received no personal benefit from it.

There's nothing secret about this trip. This is a very open business development trip, he said.

There is nothing for this minister, Madame Speaker, to be gained from it, and of course there's no conflict of interest. This was paid for by the gaming initiative of Prince Edward Island.

Sheridan said the sole purpose of the trip was a gaming initiative for Prince Edward Island that could create millions of dollars in tax revenue that the province could use for health care and education.

Sheridan later told CBC News the initiativewas set up by theMi'kmaqConfederacy, with a loan from Innovation PEI.

Conflict of interest commissionerNeil Robinsontold CBC News that he can't comment specifically on this case because a complaint could belodged.Buthe explained that if Sheridan's trip to London was found to befor government business, it would not be considered a personal gift and there would be no reason to declare it.