Silica Company Reaffirms Commitment to Manitoba, Clears Name in Ethics Probe

Sio Silica maintains that it had no involvement in any misconduct throughout the 2023 provincial transition phase and endorses the conclusions of the Manitoba ethics commissioner’s latest report, which verified that the company did not sway any governmental choices.

The report, released this week by Ethics Commissioner Jeffrey Schnoor, concluded that former premier Heather Stefanson, former minister Cliff Cullen, and current MLA Jeff Wharton breached conflict-of-interest laws by attempting to push through environmental approval for Sio Silica’s sand mine project after their government lost the October 3, 2023, provincial election. The report recommended fines totalling $40,000 among the three.

However, Sio Silica was not under scrutiny during the investigation and was not determined to have engaged in improper conduct.

We value the Commissioner’s comprehensive and open examination of this issue,” stated CEO Feisal Somji in an official release. “It is crucial for every resident of Manitoba to understand that Sio Silica had no part in the matters being probed, and throughout, our organization has upheld the autonomy of Manitoba’s regulatory procedures.

The firm stated that it continues to uphold its dedication to openness, ecological accountability, and continuous interaction with nearby communities and Indigenous collaborators.

Carla Devlin, who serves as the president of Sio Silica, also mentioned that the firm is prepared to advance through the official regulatory procedures.

“We’re eager to proceed with the regulatory process for our initiative following the conclusion of this review,” stated Devlin. “Our commitment includes fostering transparent discussions, protecting the environment, and generating enduring economic advantages for Manitoba.”

The initiative, suggested in southeast Manitoba close to Vivian, continues to be contentious because of worries regarding its effect on the Sandilands Aquifer. During 2023, the Manitoba Clean Environment Commission expressed doubts concerning the long-term security of the extraction technique being used.

Although the Progressive Conservative government tried to advance the project during the caretaker period following the election, the initiative hit a snag when Minister of Environment Kevin Klein declined to approve the license at that time.

During an interview with the
Winnipeg Sun
Klein mentioned that he was put under pressure by fellow party members but chose not to operate beyond established procedures.

I was instructed to expedite this matter, however, I recognized that the timing was unsuitable and the exerted pressure had overstepped boundaries,” Klein stated. “Manitoba citizens count on their representatives to uphold the democratic process. I adhered to the principles instilled in me—integrity, responsibility, and commitment to public duty. I am content with my choice. It’s disheartening that some within our administration did not demonstrate similar regard for constituents or the procedure.

In the 2023 election, Klein failed to retain his position and was only mentioned in the report as a witness who recounted the pressure exerted on him by other cabinet members.

The complete report from the ethics commissioner can be accessed on the

official website

.