Manitoba Tory loses critic duties but remains in caucus after ethics probe
Jeff Wharton, one of three Tories found this week to have violated the province's conflict of interest law, is to remain in caucus but will no longer serve as critic for business, mining, trade and job creation.
'I have removed his critic role in light of this report that came out … and we'll move forward from there,' Khan said.
The province's ethics commissioner ruled in a report Wednesday that former premier Heather Stefanson, former deputy premier Cliff Cullen and Wharton, the economic development minister at the time, acted improperly by pushing for an environmental licence to be granted to the Sio Silica mining project after the Tories lost the 2023 election to the NDP.
Story continues below advertisement
Wharton apologized in the legislature and said he accepted the report's findings. He was not made available to reporters.
'To all Manitobans — and particularly the (people of) Red River North, the constituents that I have the honour to represent every single day — I am sorry. I will do better,' Wharton said.
Get breaking National news
For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy
Ethics commissioner Jeffrey Schnoor wrote that despite the election loss, the three Tories tried to get the project approved before the new NDP government, led by Wab Kinew, was sworn in.
Their actions violated the Conflict of Interest Act and contravened the caretaker convention — a long-standing parliamentary principle that forbids outgoing governments from making major decisions, the report said.
The project did not get approved, due in part to opposition from bureaucrats and two other Tory ministers. The NDP government formally rejected the proposal months later.
Stefanson and Cullen have since left politics. Stefanson, in a prepared statement, said she was only acting to further and protect the public interest. Cullen has not returned requests for comment.
Schnoor is recommending fines of $18,000 for Stefanson, $12,000 for Cullen and $10,000 for Wharton.
The legislature will vote whether to accept the report. Khan said he will vote in favour and believes his caucus will as well.
Story continues below advertisement
Kinew said there are still many unanswered questions about the former Tory government's actions that need to be answered.
'Why were they so intent on ignoring the results of the election to improperly further this private interest?' Kinew said.
The report said there was no evidence that the three politicians would have gained anything financially had the project gone ahead, but Kinew said the ethics commissioner's ability to delve into any possible financial ties was limited.
The premier also pointed to the report's findings that some of what the commissioner was told by the Tory politicians contradicted the evidence.
Schnoor's report said the facts he learned 'simply do not support the assertions made by Ms. Stefanson,' including a statement from her that the project was at risk if approval did not come quickly.
Schnoor also said Wharton told him about a conversation with Cullen that the commissioner ruled didn't happen.
Kinew said there will be more discussion on the issues in the legislature in the days and weeks ahead.
'There's a whole lot of unanswered questions here that really speak to a group in the PC universe, including the former premier, who did some really bad things,' Kinew said.
'So I think there's a lot more that needs to be accounted for.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Winnipeg Free Press
28 minutes ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Disappointment mixed with cautious optimism, resolve in Manitoba as Trump makes good on tariff threat
Manitoba business and labour leaders expressed disappointment Friday after U.S. President Donald Trump hiked his tariff on many Canadian goods to 35 per cent, bringing further economic uncertainty. They remained hopeful ongoing trade talks between the two countries will strike the right deal for Canada's economy. 'We were hoping to avoid this escalation in our current trade tensions with the U.S.,' said Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce president and CEO Loren Remillard. 'We remain confident, in time, we will find common ground with the U.S. administration. The most important thing is getting the right deal for Canada, not necessarily getting it done right now.' MIKE DEAL / FREE PRESS FILES The steel-producing city of Selkirk, just north of Winnipeg, is bracing for potential impacts. Trump increased the tariff (on imports not compliant with the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement, or CUSMA) after a deal wasn't struck before a deadline he imposed. Manitoba Federation of Labour president Kevin Rebeck agreed no deal is better than a bad one for Canada. 'I think there are a lot more businesses that are watching this with great uncertainty and unease, and that's not good for anyone, but we can't let the U.S. just dictate a deal that's only good for them and hurts our economy,' he said. 'I'm glad our prime minister (Mark Carney) is working towards a deal that puts Canadians first.' Rebeck said tariffs are hurting both countries' economies, with about 200 Manitobans — largely in the steel sector and some in food production — on work-sharing measures or laid off. Alan Arcand, the Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters' chief economist, said the U.S. is Manitoba's No. 1 trading partner, with 80 per cent of the province's exports going to its southern neighbour. Manitoba's exports to the U.S. were down by 30 per cent between January and May, he said. 'That's definitely a huge problem for the Manitoba economy,' Arcand said. 'It's been a challenge the entire year, and increasing the tariff rate from 25 per cent to 35 per cent adds on to those difficulties.' Arcand said CME supports the federal government's decision to 'remain firm' and pursue a better deal. Canada's automotive, steel, aluminum, copper and softwood lumber industries have been most affected by the trade war, he said. In Manitoba, the advanced manufacturing sector could be among the most affected by the increased tariff, Remillard said. He said a vast majority of Manitoba's exporters is compliant with CUSMA and therefore will not be subject to the increased tariff, but a significant percentage will be impacted. Remillard said he expects eligible companies that haven't filled out the necessary paperwork will make a 'significant move' to become compliant in the coming days. He said Trump's changing trade policy has had a chilling effect on business. Arcand said it has been nearly impossible for businesses to plan. While some groups or politicians encouraged Ottawa to retaliate, Remillard said the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce is hoping 'calmer approaches' by the federal government continue, and it doesn't take any action that will hurt Canadians. All levels of government should provide supports or resources to affected sectors to help them weather the storm, he said. Trump already applied 50 per cent tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. The move left the steel-producing city of Selkirk, just north of Winnipeg, bracing for potential impacts. 'You just can't do business at a 50 per cent tariff. It's just out of the question,' said Mayor Larry , who's been monitoring Brazil-based Gerdau SA's steel mill in Selkirk. 'Every time I go by there, I'm looking at the yard to see how many employees' cars are parked there, and how many trailers are there loaded with steel and ready to go. 'Of course, it's been very, very busy before this latest increase to the tariffs. We were seeing a lot of double trailers loaded with steel coming out of the mill.' Johannson said he saw some trailers — destination unknown — ready to go when he drove by Friday morning. 'We're seeing back and forth in there, and that's a good thing. Honestly, as mayor, I just can't see doing business with a 50 per cent tariff,' he said. 'Fifty per cent tariffs is not a fair rate. It's a ludicrous rate.' When Premier Wab Kinew visited the mill in March, he said the Manitoba government will source Canadian steel for all its infrastructure projects and relevant equipment purchases. Wednesdays A weekly dispatch from the head of the Free Press newsroom. Johannson, whose father and grandfather worked at the mill, is hoping that approach is mirrored across Canada. 'We want Manitoba steel to have equal opportunity in any projects in Canada,' he said. 'We can supply the steel.' In the meantime, Johannson wants negotiations between Canada and the U.S. to be 'ramped up.' 'We have to get (the tariffs) down,' he said. 'I wish I could lock the door until they come out of there with a good deal that is beneficial to both.' Chris KitchingReporter Chris Kitching is a general assignment reporter at the Free Press. He began his newspaper career in 2001, with stops in Winnipeg, Toronto and London, England, along the way. After returning to Winnipeg, he joined the Free Press in 2021, and now covers a little bit of everything for the newspaper. Read more about Chris. Every piece of reporting Chris produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. Our newsroom depends on a growing audience of readers to power our journalism. If you are not a paid reader, please consider becoming a subscriber. Our newsroom depends on its audience of readers to power our journalism. Thank you for your support.
Global News
2 hours ago
- Global News
Quebec's Lacolle border sees surge in asylum seekers
The number of people seeking asylum at Quebec's Lacolle border crossing has surged dramatically this summer, reaching five times the volume seen at the start of the year. As of July 27, just over 3,000 asylum seekers had been processed at the Lacolle crossing, nearly triple the number recorded in June, according to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The sharp increase is raising concerns among Montreal-based organizations that support refugee claimants, who say they're struggling to keep up with the growing demand for housing, legal assistance and social services. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy 'We used to have about 20 to 30 people coming in per month,' Woodmy Estimé from La Traverse shelter for new arrivals in Montreal North told Global News. 'Now it's like around 60 to 70.' La Traverse says most of the people who use its services are of Haitian origin who are fleeing the U.S. because of the immigration crackdown. Story continues below advertisement 'My concern is for my family to not get deported back because the situation in Haiti is very critical,' Haitian Montrealer Shara Deriscar told Global News. Advocates say many are scared and crossing at irregular border areas. The RCMP says that in recent weeks, they too have seen a significant rise in the number of people crossing illegally. The CBSA says Haitian nationals top the list of land border asylum claims as of July 27 this year. For the full story, watch Global's Phil Carpenter's report above.
Winnipeg Free Press
2 hours ago
- Winnipeg Free Press
Quick quotes: Reaction to Trump's 35 per cent tariffs on Canada
OTTAWA – U.S. President Donald Trump has followed through on his earlier threat to increase tariffs on Canada to 35 per cent. Trump signed an executive order Thursday night to hit Canada with higher duties, after the two countries did not reach a trade deal by Aug. 1. Here's a sample of what political and business figures are saying: — 'While the Canadian government is disappointed by this action, we remain committed to CUSMA, which is the world's second-largest free trade agreement by trading volume … While we will continue to negotiate with the United States on our trading relationship, the Canadian government is laser focused on what we can control: building Canada strong.' — Prime Minister Mark Carney 'Conservatives share Canadians' disappointment that a deal with the United States was not reached by the August 1st deadline. Canada faces more U.S. tariffs than ever before, and we stand united with all workers facing devastation from unjustified tariffs on steel, aluminum, softwood, auto and agriculture. These deeply misguided policies will hurt families and businesses on both sides of the border.' — Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre 'Mr. Carney gave in on key issues, including scrapping the digital services tax on multi-billionaire tech giants, committing to NATO's excessive 5 per cent target, and violating Canadians' privacy rights by signing up to Trump's ominous ICE security state with Bill C-2. But none of this worked. Instead, Trump has slapped Canada with a 35 per cent tariff and continued his attack on our country and workers.' — Interim NDP Leader Don Davies 'Canada shouldn't settle for anything less than the right deal. Now is not the time to roll over. We need to stand our ground. The increase in U.S. tariffs to 35 per cent is concerning, especially with tariffs still in place on steel, aluminum, autos, forestry and now copper.' — Ontario Premier Doug Ford 'We are pleased to see that CUSMA-compliant goods remain tariff-free, including the vast majority of goods Alberta sells to the U.S. such as all oil and gas and agricultural products. That said, it's also disappointing to see tariffs on other Canadian goods increase to 35 per cent. These tariffs hurt both Canadian and American businesses and workers, and they weaken one of the most important trade and security alliances in the world.' — Alberta Premier Danielle Smith 'While Saskatchewan is disappointed in the Trump administration's decision to increase tariffs on non-CUSMA compliant Canadian goods to 35 per cent, Canada's efforts to ensure CUSMA remains in effect means that 95 per cent of Saskatchewan exports to the U.S. will remain tariff-free.' — Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe 'The White House fact sheet should be called a fact-less sheet when it comes to basing trade decisions about Canada on the fentanyl emergency … The Carney government is right to prioritize a strong, future-focused deal over a rushed one. A little more time now can deliver lasting benefits for an integrated North American economy — and that's well worth the wait.' — Canadian Chamber of Commerce president Candace Laing 'The hike in U.S. tariffs to 35 per cent will harm small businesses on both sides of the border. The fentanyl rationale is even more ridiculous than the decision itself. While it is good news that most Canadian exports will remain tariff-free due to the CUSMA/USMCA exemption, the uncertainty alone will continue to take a toll on Canada's small businesses.' — Canadian Federation of Independent Business president and CEO Dan Kelly This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 1, 2024.
