Stefanson’s reputation ‘irreparably damaged,’ political studies prof says

WINNIPEG — A unanimous vote by the Manitoba Legislative Assembly to penalize former Tory premier Heather Stefanson and two of her cabinet ministers for breaking conflict of interest legislation was met with silence from the lawbreakers Wednesday.

Stefanson did not respond to a request for comment Wednesday after being fined $18,000, becoming the province’s first premier penalized under the legislation enacted in October 2023.

Members of the legislature voted unanimously Tuesday to fine the province’s first female premier for her part in trying to license the controversial Sio Silica sand mine in the short period between her government loss in the October 2023 election and the incoming NDP government’s swearing-in.

In May, when ethics commissioner Jeffrey Schnoor issued his 100-page report concluding that Stefanson, former deputy premier and Spruce Woods MLA Cliff Cullen and then-economic development minister Jeff Wharton (who retained his Red River North seat in the 2023 election) broke the law and recommended that they be fined, Stefanson denied any wrongdoing in a statement sent through her lawyer.

“I was Premier, I did my job, and when the people elected a new government, I deferred to the NDP government and respected their views on how to proceed,” the statement said.

Cullen, who was fined $12,000 for his role in the affair, did not respond to a message left at his home Wednesday.

Wharton, who voted in favour of the recommended fines — including his $10,000 penalty — participated in question period remotely Wednesday and was not made available for comment.

He said via the PC caucus that his comments in May, including an apology, stand.

Meanwhile, three corporate boards that Stefanson belongs to have not expressed any concern about her ethics violation or the unanimous legislative assembly vote to accept Schnoor’s findings and impose the fine.

Maple Leaf Foods, in fact, was aware of the ethics commissioner’s investigation and report in May, as it appointed Stefanson an incoming corporate director of its spinoff company, Canada Packers Inc.

“Maple Leaf Foods has the utmost respect for the integrity, transparency, and personal ethics of Ms. Stefanson,” a media spokesperson said at the time.

“Her character, depth of knowledge and commitment to creating shared value will make her a valuable member of the future Canada Packers Board of Directors. None of the findings in the ethics investigation or report have caused us to change that view.”

On Wednesday, a media spokesperson for Maple Leaf Foods said it has “nothing to add” to its earlier statement.

WestJet has not responded to repeated requests for comment since May about the ethics legislation breach committed by a current member of its board.

Stefanson joined the WestJet board in 2024. Its corporate website incorrectly states that Stefanson was elected as Manitoba’s 24th premier in 2021. Stefanson stepped into the job as premier after she narrowly won the leadership of the PC party.

Two weeks ago, a Toronto wealth and investment management firm announced Stefanson’s appointment to its board.

“Ms. Stefanson brings a distinguished record of leadership in both public service and governance,” Forthlane Partners Ltd., posted on its website. “Her extensive leadership experience, commitment to good governance, and deep understanding of both the public and private sectors will bring invaluable perspective as we continue to grow and serve our clients,” said Robert Williams, Forthlane board chairman.

The company website says it provides outsourced chief investment office services and “bespoke” wealth management solutions to families, individuals, and mission-driven organizations across Canada and in the Cayman Islands.

“I am honoured to join Forthlane’s board of directors,” Stefanson is quoted as saying. “The firm’s dedication to serving families and foundations with integrity and innovation resonates deeply with me, and I look forward to supporting its continued growth and success.”

While corporate interests may not care about Stefanson’s ethics violations, the historical record won’t gloss over them, a veteran observer of Manitoba politics said.

“Stefanson’s reputation as a public figure will be irreparably damaged,” Paul Thomas, University of Manitoba political studies professor emeritus, said Wednesday.

“Her entry in Wikipedia or an encyclopedia will mainly call attention to her status as first female premier, her short tenure, her less-than-stellar record of leadership and the ignominious close to her political career with an unexplained serious lapse in judgment.

“None of this will seriously affect her standing in the social and financial circles in which she moves, and she will continue to enjoy an affluent lifestyle.”

» Winnipeg Free Press