The Sublet Scandal centres on initial reporting by CBC that Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff’s taxpayer-funded constituency office was sublet for years — despite the practice being banned by the Board of Internal Economy since 2016. When the story broke, the Minister refused to address questions in the Legislature or in traditional media scrums in the rotunda. He did, however, conduct one-to-one interviews with media insisting no subletting occurred and that he, instead, had initiated a “split-lease” to save taxpayer money.
Cheveldayoff went on to claim that after MLA Goudy was elected as Speaker in 2024, he heeded a request to halt the practice. However, a 2025 real estate listing found by Beck’s team tells a different story. The listing for Cheveldayoff’s constituency office identified him as the property owner and described the space as a “sublease only.” What’s more, Cheveldayoff was actively working to sublease the property into fall of 2025.
Cheveldayoff has also publicly described the space as modest while the real estate listing marketed it as “prime storefront space” in a “high-traffic, high-visibility” location.
The listing includes several glossy professional photos of the interior of Cheveldayoff’s office, noting the space comes with two dedicated parking stalls, three private offices, a reception area, a shared modern boardroom and a “fully equipped staff room.”
“To date, there has been no evidence to suggest the deal was anything other than a sublease, and Cheveldayoff’s own disclosures refer to it as a sublease,” said Jordan McPhail, Shadow Minister for Ethics & Democracy.
“This doesn’t look like a split lease deal — it looks like a split between what Mr. Cheveldayoff told the public and what actually happened. What’s clear in all of this is one thing — the Minister lied. He lied to the press, he lied to his constituents, he lied to the people of Saskatchewan.”
The situation is made worse by the political connections. The CBC reported that the law firm donated to the Sask. Party during the prohibited sublease arrangement.
The obvious discrepancy between what the Minister claimed and what the real estate listing clearly states is one of several concerns outlined in a letter sent by McPhail late Monday to Conflict of Interest Commissioner Maurice Herauf. Since the initial story, several other concerns have been brought forward.
Cheveldayoff was also sent a copy of the letter, as is standard practice.
“The Minister knows full well the people of Saskatchewan are watching his every move,” McPhail said. “This Sublet Scandal stinks on so many fronts. “Members of the public clearly have concerns as do we — that is why we have asked the COIC to investigate.
“And we are calling today for Cheveldayoff to release each and every lease he signed, so the public can see each and every detail for themselves.”
When questioned by reporters about the initial CBC reporting on Cheveldayoff’s office, Scott Moe insisted he had no responsibility in the matter.
“You can’t lie about a taxpayer-funded deal, break the rules for years, and walk away like nothing happened,” said McPhail. “Saskatchewan people deserve answers and accountability.
“Now Scott Moe has a choice: back a Minister who lied to cover up rule-breaking, or show some leadership and demand he step up, tell the truth, or step aside. The truth — all of it — will come out, sooner or later.
“This all proves that time and time and time again the Sask. Party believes they are above the rules. It’s time for change.”
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