The Manitoba Legislature is set to vote on Tuesday regarding fines recommended by the provincial ethics commissioner for former premier Heather Stefanson and two members of her Progressive Conservative cabinet. In May, ethics commissioner Jeffrey Schnoor found Stefanson, former deputy premier Cliff Cullen, and former economic development minister Jeff Wharton in violation of the province’s conflict-of-interest legislation for their involvement in securing a sand-extraction license for Alberta mining company Sio Silica.
According to Schnoor’s 100-page report, Stefanson, Cullen, and Wharton breached Manitoba’s Conflict of Interest Act by advocating for the license approval post the October 3, 2023, election defeat to the NDP. Their actions also disregarded the caretaker convention, a fundamental parliamentary guideline preventing outgoing governments from making significant decisions before the incoming government assumes power. Although no financial benefit was evident, Schnoor noted that their conduct favored other individuals improperly.
Schnoor proposed fines of $18,000 for Stefanson, $12,000 for Cullen, and $10,000 for Wharton, who currently represents Red River North as a PC MLA. The legislative assembly will decide on the imposition of these fines, with Tuesday being the deadline for the vote. Both the PCs and NDP have engaged in blame games over the delay in the fines vote. PC Leader Obby Khan accused the NDP of postponing the debate before the summer break, while Premier Wab Kinew argued that the PCs used tactics to stall the vote upon resuming legislative sessions.
The NDP continued their accusations on Monday, attempting to portray the PCs as corrupt through repetitive ministerial statements. Education Minister Tracy Schmidt even sought to summon Stefanson to the Manitoba Legislature to discuss her involvement in the Sio Silica matter, a request promptly dismissed by Speaker Tom Lindsey. The PCS, on the other hand, implied that the NDP aimed to prolong the debate to leverage Schnoor’s findings against them.
Acknowledging the findings, Khan stated that they are ready to move forward, with Wharton willing to personally settle the fine if imposed. As the time for political theatrics dwindles, both parties are gearing up for a potentially lengthy vote extending into Tuesday night. NDP government house leader Nahanni Fontaine is ensuring arrangements for supper and child care for members in anticipation of the upcoming vote.