Manitoba Progressive Conservative Leader Heather Stefanson speaks to the media surrounded by candidates at the PC Party campaign office, the day before the Manitoba provincial election in Winnipeg, on Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/David Lipnowski)
WINNIPEG — Three former Progressive Conservative cabinet ministers, including former Premier Heather Stefanson, have been found in breach of Manitoba’s Conflict of Interest Act for their actions during the transition of power last fall.
Ethics Commissioner Jeffrey Schnoor released a report Wednesday stating that Stefanson, along with former deputy premier and finance minister Cliff Cullen and former economic development minister Jeff Wharton, violated the Act by advancing a controversial mining license for Sio Silica during the post-election transition period — despite objections from the incoming government.
Commissioner Schnoor has recommended fines of $18,000 for Stefanson, $12,000 for Cullen, and $10,000 for Wharton. Schnoor noted Stefanson’s role as premier carried greater responsibility, while Wharton’s willingness to apologize was considered a mitigating factor.
The report details how, after the October 3, 2023 election and before the new government was sworn in on October 18, the outgoing officials attempted to push through the license without proper authority. The move violated the caretaker convention, a constitutional principle restricting major decisions by outgoing governments.
Although no personal financial benefit was found, the commissioner concluded that the ministers’ actions improperly furthered the private interests of Sio Silica Corp.
Derek Johnson, the former agriculture minister and current MLA for Interlake-Gimli, was cleared of wrongdoing.
The Legislative Assembly will vote to accept or reject the commissioner’s recommended penalties. No alternative sanctions can be imposed.
The investigation was launched following a request from NDP MLA Mike Moyes. The full report can be read at ethicsmanitoba.ca.
