Yellowknife (Nov 08/04) - The NWT conflict of interest commissioner has dismissed a complaint against former Inuvik MLA Roger Allen, saying public inquiry into his dubious housing claim is not worth the expense.

Ted Hughes told News/North there was little reason to follow through with the investigation following Allen's resignation from the Legislative Assembly last month.

"The only sanction that would have been available was a fine," Hughes said Friday.

Had Allen not resigned, he faced the prospect of losing his seat in the assembly anyway. Speaker of the House Paul Delorey said the inquiry could have cost the government up to $100,000, while Allen faced a maximum fine of $10,000.

"An inquiry... opens up a process that involves lawyers and hearings," said Delorey. "The cost can add up quickly."

The Board of Management, a government body responsible for MLA expense accounts, filed an official complaint with Hughes in August.

Television news reports revealed that Allen claimed to live in a shack outside of Inuvik without electricity or road access in order to qualify for a lucrative housing allowance.

Allen, who was living in Grimshaw, Alberta, was ordered repay nearly $10,000 in public funds. To date, he has repaid roughly $7,000 of that, Delorey said.

One question that remains unanswered is whether Allen's actions constituted a criminal act. Following Hughes' decision, Delorey said he considered the matter "closed".

But the conflict of interest commissioner said he was never asked to determine if Allen's claim was criminally fraudulent.

"The issue of criminality was not before me," said Hughes. "If anybody feels like a criminal act has occurred, they are free to file a complaint with the police."