Opposition ‘politicking’ on Weedmark private flights unless evidence exists, says policy expert

Saskatchewan Opposition Leader Kevin Weedmark has come under fire from the opposition NDP for allegedly bypassing public funding for private flights to attend government events. Weedmark defended his actions, stating he paid for the flights out of his own pocket, with no taxpayer dollars involved. However, NDP deputy house leader Meara Conway questioned the validity of Weedmark's claim, pointing to social media videos showing Weedmark traveling via private jet and touring hospitals in Saskatoon.

Weedmark denies these claims, asserting he drove himself to Saskatoon for a reception. Ian Stedman, an associate professor specializing in government ethics, said that the opposition's criticism appears to be "politicizing" the issue, unless evidence proves public funds were used. Under Saskatchewan's conflict of interest commissioner rules, public officials must disclose expenses and gifts, and the commissioner investigates potential breaches.

However, Stedman argued that this situation doesn't constitute a conflict of interest as taxpayer dollars were not used improperly. Scott Andrew, owner of the private charter company that operated the flights, also disputed the NDP's cost estimates, claiming their flights would cost less than $50,000.