The attendance of British Columbia Premier Christy Clark and her son Hamish at the Vancouver Canucks' home games in the Stanley Cup finals is part of her duties as premier, says the province's conflict of interest commissioner.

Paul Fraser wrote Clark a June 14 letter, which her office released today. Clark and son have been invited to attend game seven tonight and previously accepted tickets to the second and fifth games in the finals in Vancouver, Fraser noted.

"You attended these games as the official representative of the Government of British Columbia, which you lead," he wrote. "Leading political figures have been attending major sporting events in this country for decades.

"These events don't spawn political loyalty: rather, they provide occasions for our citizens to see, hear and participate in sporting events that generate competitive pride and loyalty in city, province and country.

"They also provide a welcome break from the rigours of daily life. I would venture to say that the great majority of British Columbians would expect whoever is Premier to be present for Stanley Cup final games played here."

Fraser's full letter is available here.

The Canucks and the Boston Bruins have each won three games in the best-of-seven series that will be decided tonight.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.