Moe spent last two weeks claiming zero influence over controversial tire recycling agency
REGINA - Today, the Official Opposition released documents revealing that longtime Scott Moe loyalist Richard “Porky” Porter is a key player in Tire Stewardship Saskatchewan, despite the Premier previously claiming that he has no influence over the controversial “independent industry-led” agency.
“It's simply misleading for Moe to deny any sway over this agency while his close friend and supporter is essentially running the show,” said Opposition Ethics Critic Meara Conway. “The Premier’s fingerprints are all over this tire fire of a deal. He needs to be straight with the people of Saskatchewan and come clean.”
In January 2017, then Environment Minister Scott Moe appointed Porter as chair of the Advisory Committee conducting the Saskatchewan Scrap Tire Program Review that ultimately led to the creation of the controversial Tire Stewardship agency.
Porter was appointed later that year as an “independent member-at-large” on the Tire Stewardship board, a position he still holds today.
Unlike other board members who represent companies like Western Canada Tire Dealers, OK Tire and Market Tire, Porter discloses no ties to the tire industry. He does, however, have intimate and well-documented ties to the MLA for Rosthern-Shellbrook.
Moe is on the record calling Porter a “true friend”. This “friend” donated $1,000 to Moe’s personal campaign to become leader of the Sask. Party and another $6,765 to the party itself since 2016.
Porter and Moe appear to have climbed the Sask. Party government’s ranks together. Three weeks after becoming Environment Minister, Moe appointed Porter to the board of directors at the SaskWater Corporation. Porter was also appointed Chair of the Solid Waste Advisory Committee soon after Moe became Premier in February 2018.
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