NDP gives Sask. Party member another shot at transparency

The NDP is calling on the Conflict of Interest Commissioner to take a deeper look into then-Minister of Government Relations Donna Harpauer’s undeclared personal vacations on the Village of Pinehouse’s dime. In December the Commissioner looked into the Village paying for her and her partner’s hotel accommodation. Recent Freedom of Information requests show that on the same two occasions, the Minister’s partner also had his guided fishing tours covered by the Village, but they were not declared or reimbursed.

“It stretches the imagination to hear the Minister say she was unaware of these additional expenses – it didn’t pass the smell test then and it doesn’t pass the smell test now,” said NDP Ethics and Democracy Critic David Forbes. “Especially when she was asked point blank in the Legislature back in May if her trip entailed any other expenses beyond hotel bills.”

Forbes sent a letter to the Conflict of Interest Commissioner today requesting a more in-depth investigation of these undisclosed gifts. At the time of the trips, serious concerns had been raised about multiple infractions of provincial FOI legislation and financial irregularities at the Village office and, as Minister responsible, Harpauer had formally committed her Ministry to working with the Village to ensure compliance. In April, Harpauer recused herself from caucus discussions related to Pinehouse.

“It shouldn’t take multiple FOIs and several years to pass for the Minister to be transparent with the people of Pinehouse and the province about gifts she had failed to declare,” Forbes said. “We hope the Conflict of Interest Commissioner can get to the bottom of this.”

Latest posts

YORKTON CHILDCARE PROVIDERS STRUGGLING TO STAY AFLOAT, SCOTT MOE’S ONLY ACTION IS TO MAKE THINGS WORSE

Rate Of Childcare Spaces In City Among The Lowest In Province, Sask. Party Doesn’t Do A Thing
YORKTON - From the home of a local childcare provider, Carla Beck’s team is raising the alarm about the lack of available childcare spaces in Yorkton and surrounding areas leaving the community behind.

AS VOLUNTEERS FILL MASSIVE GAPS, CARLA BECK’S TEAM CALLS OUT SCOTT MOE FOR FAILING PEOPLE DESPERATE FOR HELP

Everyday People Step Up, Sask. Party Seems More Focused On Summer Vacation
SASKATOON – Carla Beck’s team is calling out the Sask. Party for failing to lift a finger to help as poverty and homelessness in Saskatoon reaches unprecedented levels — it’s gotten so bad that volunteers are routinely stepping forward to provide the necessities because Government won’t.

SCOTT MOE HID THE $26-BILLION COAL BILL. NOW? HE’S CHARGING $8,000 TO SEE THE ENGINEERING BEHIND IT

Sask. Party Demands Thousands For Independent Reports, While Warning That Paying The Bill May Produce Nothing
REGINA – Carla Beck’s team is demanding Scott Moe and Jeremy Harrison immediately release the independent engineering reports behind their $26-billion coal catastrophe after SaskPower demanded more than $8,000, while also warning that paying the bill may still produce nothing. In previous Freedom of Information attempts received, nearly 2,500 pages of almost entirely redacted documents.

SASK. PARTY CRUMBLING HEALTH-COVERAGE SYSTEM BREAKS PROMISE TO WORKING NEWCOMERS

Families Are Facing Uncertainty And Out-Of-Pocket Medical Expenses Despite Remaining Legally Authorized To Work In Province
SASKATOON – Carla Beck’s team is raising concerns about a growing number of working immigrants who are being denied health coverage under the tired and out-of-touch Sask. Party, despite being legally authorized to live and work in Saskatchewan.

NDP Caucus Office