A unanimous vote by the Manitoba Legislature to punish former Conservative Premier Heather Stefanson and two of her cabinet ministers for violating conflict of interest laws was met with silence from lawbreakers on Wednesday.
Stefanson did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday after he was fined $18,000, becoming the first provincial premier to be punished under the legislation passed in October 2023.
Members of the legislature voted unanimously on Tuesday to fine the province's first female premier for her involvement in an attempt to license the controversial Sio Silica sand mine in the short period between her government defeat in the October 2023 election and the swearing in of a new NDP government.
MIKE DIEHL / FREE PRESS FILES
Former Prime Minister Heather Stefanson did not respond to requests for comment Wednesday after being fined $18,000.
In May, when Ethics Commissioner Jeffrey Schnoor released his 100-page report concluding that Stefanson, former Deputy Prime Minister and Spruce Woods MP Cliff Cullen and then-Economic Development Minister Jeff Wharton (who retained his Red River North seat in the 2023 election) broke the law and recommended fine them, Stefanson denied any wrongdoing in a statement sent through her lawyer.
“I was prime minister, I did my job, and when the people elected a new government, I submitted to the NDP government and respected their views on how to proceed,” the statement said.
Cullen, who was fined $12,000 for his role in the case, did not respond to a message left at his home Wednesday.
Wharton, who voted in favor of the recommended penalties, including a $10,000 fine, participated in question period remotely Wednesday and was not available for comment.
At the PC meeting, he said his May comments, including the apology, remain valid.
Meanwhile, the three boards of directors of the companies Stefanson sits on expressed no concern about her ethics violations or the Legislature's unanimous vote to accept Schnur's findings and impose a fine.
Maple Leaf Foods was essentially aware of the investigation and the ethics commissioner's report in May because it appointed Stefanson as the new corporate director of its Canada Packers Inc. subsidiary.
“Maple Leaf Foods has the utmost respect for Ms. Stefanson’s integrity, transparency and personal ethics,” a media spokesperson said at the time.
“Her character, depth of knowledge and commitment to creating shared value will make her a valuable member of the future Canada Packers board of directors. None of the results of the ethics investigation or report have caused us to change this view.”
On Wednesday, a Maple Leaf Foods media representative said it had “nothing to add” to its previous statement.
WestJet has not responded to repeated requests for comment since May about ethics violations committed by a current board member.
Stefanson joined WestJet's board of directors in 2024. Her corporate website incorrectly states that Stefanson was elected as Manitoba's 24th premier in 2021. Stefanson took office as prime minister after narrowly winning the leadership of the PC party.
Two weeks ago, the Toronto-based asset and investment management firm announced the appointment of Stefanson to its board of directors.
“Ms Stefanson demonstrates outstanding leadership skills in both public service and governance,” Forthlane Partners Ltd said. on your website. “Her extensive leadership experience, commitment to good governance and deep understanding of both the public and private sectors will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve our clients,” said Robert Williams, chairman of Forthlane.
The company's website says it provides principal investment office outsourcing services and “customized” wealth management solutions to families, individuals and mission-driven organizations across Canada and the Cayman Islands.
“I am honored to join the board of directors of Forthlane,” Stefanson is quoted as saying. “The firm’s commitment to serving families and foundations with integrity and innovation resonates deeply with me, and I look forward to supporting its continued growth and success.”
While corporate interests may not care about Stefanson's ethics violations, the historical record doesn't silence them, said a veteran Manitoba politics observer.
“Stefanson's reputation as a public figure will be irreparably damaged,” Paul Thomas, professor emeritus of political studies at the University of Manitoba, said Wednesday.
“Her Wikipedia or encyclopedia entry will mainly draw attention to her status as the first female prime minister, her short tenure in office, her less than stellar leadership record and the ignominious end of her political career with an inexplicable serious error in judgment.
“None of this will seriously affect her position in the social and financial circles in which she moves, and she will continue to lead a wealthy lifestyle.”
Carol Sanders
Legislative Reporter
Carol Sanders – reporter Free press legislative bureau. The former general assignment reporter and editor-in-chief joined the newspaper in 1997. More about Carol.
Every report Carole produces is reviewed by a team of editors before it is published online or in print – part Free pressRussia's tradition since 1872 of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free presshistory and mandateAnd find out how our editorial team works.
Our newsroom depends on a growing readership to fuel our journalism. If you are not a paying reader, please consider become a subscriber.
Our newsroom depends on readership to fuel our journalism. Thanks for your support.
