‘Public deserves to know’: Saskatchewan NDP on MLA’s alleged conflict of interest

The Saskatchewan Opposition has called for an investigation into a conflict of interest involving Saskatchewan Party MLA Kevin Weedmark. The NDP alleges that Weedmark has taken private intra-provincial flights and accepted gifts from his newspaper, The World Spectator, contrary to provincial regulations for elected officials. The opposition's concerns were submitted to conflict-of-interest commissioner Maurice Herauf in a 23-page letter.

NDP MLA for Regina Elphinstone-Centre, Meara Conway, stated that Weedmark's newspaper is used to subsidize other activities, and the public deserves to know about the separation between public and private roles. The NDP also claims that Weedmark's newspaper staff is seen with him during official events, granting them special access not provided to other media.

Weedmark owns the newspaper, raising concerns about the intertwining of his roles as MLA and media baron. Weedmark's office responded, citing a conditional exemption from the Speaker and claiming that his flights were paid for personally, not through taxpayer funds. The conflict of interest office will now determine whether to investigate the case based on the evidence provided.