Former Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson, along with two cabinet ministers, received fines for breaching the province’s conflict of interest law in connection with a mining project. The violation occurred after the Progressive Conservatives lost the 2023 election and before the incoming NDP government could take office. The Ethics Commissioner, Jeffrey Schnoor, found that Stefanson, Deputy Premier Cliff Cullen, and Economic Development Minister Jeff Wharton had improperly advanced the interests of others and disregarded the caretaker convention, which prohibits outgoing governments from making significant decisions post-election.
Premier Wab Kinew criticized the actions, emphasizing the importance of democratic principles and orderly transitions of power. Stefanson was fined $18,000, Cullen $12,000, and Wharton $10,000, as recommended by the Ethics Commissioner. The fines were unamendable by the Legislature, which could only accept or reject the report. The Progressive Conservatives accepted the findings without further comment in the legislature, with Wharton voting in favor of his imposed fine.
Tory Leader Obby Khan refrained from criticizing his former colleagues, expressing support for the Ethics Commissioner’s report. Stefanson, who has since exited politics, maintained that her actions were in the public interest, while Cullen and Wharton have not publicly addressed the matter. The controversy revolved around the proposed Sio Silica sand mine, which promised economic benefits but faced opposition due to environmental concerns.
Notably, the NDP government halted the project, citing potential risks to drinking water. Kinew raised concerns about the incident, urging for Wharton’s removal from the Tory caucus. The Ethics Commissioner highlighted discrepancies in the statements provided by the implicated individuals, indicating a lack of transparency. While deemed a serious breach, the long-term impact on public perception remains uncertain, according to political analyst Christopher Adams of the University of Manitoba.