Overview
- The ethics commissioner ruled that former premier Heather Stefanson, Cliff Cullen, and Jeff Wharton improperly pushed for approval of the Sio Silica project during the caretaker period after their 2023 election defeat.
- The report recommends fines of $18,000 for Stefanson, $12,000 for Cullen, and $10,000 for Wharton, pending legislative approval after the summer recess.
- The actions violated the Conflict of Interest Act and the caretaker convention, which mandates outgoing governments maintain the status quo during transitions.
- Sio Silica was cleared of any wrongdoing and plans to reengage in Manitoba's regulatory process under the NDP government’s oversight.
- The NDP government had rejected the project in February 2024 due to concerns about drinking water and aquifer safety, reflecting strong local opposition.