Maple Leaf has ‘utmost respect’ for Stefanson
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WINNIPEG — Maple Leaf Foods stands by its appointment of former premier Heather Stefanson as an incoming corporate director of its spinoff Canada Packers Inc.
The food giant says it’s not concerned about Stefanson breaking Manitoba’s conflict of interest law and facing a fine of $18,000.
In a statement it said it has “the utmost respect for the integrity, transparency, and personal ethics of Ms. Stefanson.”
Maple Leaf said it was aware of the ethics investigation before appointing Heather Stefanson to the board. (Mike Deal/Winnipeg Free Press files)
“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.”
The Maple Leaf 2025 management information circular says “directors must possess the highest personal and professional ethics, integrity and values and be committed to representing the best interests of the corporation.”
Its code of business conduct says it is “deeply committed to the highest standards of respect and integrity in our business relationships and activities. These standards apply both internally and to business conducted with customers, suppliers, competitors and investors. The board expects directors, officers, and employees to act ethically at all times.”
Maple Leaf said it was aware of the ethics investigation before appointing Stefanson to the board.
Directors receive an annual retainer of $230,000, plus pay bumps for committee work.
The company’s biography notes Stefanson’s “distinguished career in public service and governance,” having been elected Tuxedo MLA in 2000 and becoming premier in 2021.
Maple Leaf did not respond when asked whether it recognized the authority of independent officers of the legislature, such as the ethics commissioner.
After being told in advance by Manitoba ethics commissioner Jeffrey Schnoor to expect an adverse ruling in her case, Stefanson sought a legal opinion about whether it would affect her capacity to serve on the boards of a publicly traded companies, Schnoor’s report said.
A former managing partner of a major Toronto-based law firm said it would have no impact, and dismissed the relevance of the caretaker convention in determinations under the conflict of interest act.
Schnoor, who administers the act, ruled that the caretaker convention is a binding constitutional principle “that is fundamental to the respect for the will of the voters that is the basis of our democracy.”
He recommended Stefanson be fined $18,000 for acting improperly and breaching the act.
Stefanson is also on WestJet’s board of directors. WestJet did not respond when asked whether it had any concerns about its director breaching Manitoba’s Conflict of Interest (Members and Ministers) Act.
» Winnipeg Free Press