Manitoba Conservative MP Stripped of Critic Duties After Ethics Investigation Remains in Caucus
WINNIPEG — On Thursday, Manitoba’s Opposition leader, Obby Khan, removed a Progressive Conservative caucus member from their role as a critic amid ongoing speculation regarding the previous administration’s handling of a planned silica sand mine project.
One of the three Conservatives who were determined earlier this week to have breached the province’s conflict of interest legislation, Jeff Wharton, will stay within the caucus but will cease serving as the spokesperson for business, mining, trade, and job creation.
“I’ve eliminated his critical role due to this recent report… We will proceed accordingly,” Khan stated.
The provincial ethics commissioner released a report on Wednesday stating that former premier Heather Stefanson, ex-deputy premier Cliff Cullen, and Wharton, who was serving as the economic development minister back then, behaved incorrectly by advocating for an environmental permit to be issued to the Sio Silica mining venture following the Progressive Conservatives’ defeat in the 2023 election to the New Democratic Party.
Wharton offered his apologies in the legislative assembly and stated that he acknowledged the conclusions of the report. However, he did not make himself accessible to journalists.
“To everyone in Manitoba—and specifically those from Red River North, my constituents whom I have the privilege of representing daily—I apologize. I commit to doing better,” Wharton stated.
Jeffrey Schnoor, the ethics commissioner, stated that even after their electoral defeat, the three Conservatives attempted to have the initiative ratified prior to the swearing-in of the new NDP administration under Wab Kinew. The document indicated that these moves breached both the Conflict of Interest Act and the longstanding parliamentary guideline known as the caretaker convention, which prohibits departing administrations from implementing significant choices.
The initiative was not sanctioned partly because of resistance from civil servants and two additional Conservative cabinet members. Months afterward, the NDP administration officially declined the plan.
Stefanson and Cullen have subsequently departed from political life. In a pre-prepared statement, Stefanson stated that her actions were aimed at advancing and safeguarding the public interest. Cullen hasn’t responded to requests for commentary.
Schnoor is proposing penalties of $18,000 for Stefanson, $12,000 for Cullen, and $10,000 for Wharton.
The legislative body will vote on whether to approve the report. Khan stated he plans to support it and feels confident his colleagues will do the same.
Kinew stated that numerous queries regarding the previous Conservative administration’s activities remain unresolved and require answers.
“Why were they so determined to dismiss the election outcomes in order to unfairly advance this personal agenda?” asked Kinew.
The report indicated that there was no proof the three politicians would have received any financial benefits if the project had proceeded, however, Kinew pointed out that the ethics commissioner’s capacity to investigate potential financial connections was restricted.
The leader further highlighted that the study’s conclusions revealed discrepancies between statements made to the commissioner by the Conservative politicians and the available evidence.
Schnoor’s report indicated that the information he gathered “does not back the claims made by Ms. Stefanson,” which included her assertion that the project would be jeopardized if rapid approval was not obtained.
Schnoor mentioned that Wharton informed him about a discussion with Cullen, which the commissioner stated never occurred.
Kinew mentioned that further discussions on these matters will take place in the legislature over the coming days and weeks.
“There are numerous unresolved queries here that essentially point towards a faction within the Progressive Conservative sphere, which includes the ex-premier responsible for some very damaging actions,” Kinew stated.
I believe there are many additional factors that should be considered.
The report from The Canadian Press was initially released on May 22, 2025.
Steve Lambert, The Canadian Press