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Manitoba Ethics Commissioner Recommends Fines for Former Premier Over Caretaker Convention Breach

Report finds Heather Stefanson and two former cabinet ministers violated conflict-of-interest laws by advancing a silica sand mining project after losing the 2023 election.

The sculpture titled "The Golden Boy" is seen atop the exterior of the Manitoba Legislature in Winnipeg, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods
A sign in opposition to a proposed silica sand mine is seen on the side of a highway in the RM of Springfield.
RM of Springfield residents opposed to a proposed silica mine are seen at a media conference on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 2023, where it was announced that the results of an independent referendum show that more than 95% of those who voted are opposed to a proposed silica sand mine in the community.
Manitoba Progressive Conservative leader Heather Stefanson announces her resignation as party leader during a speech at the PC election night party in Winnipeg on Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2023. Manitoba's ethics commissioner says Stefanson and two of her cabinet ministers acted improperly by pushing for the approval of a silica sand mining project. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Daniel Crump.

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.