Former Manitoba premier Heather Stefanson pays fine for violating conflict of interest law

Manitoba’s former premier Heather Stefanson has paid an $18,000 fine levied against her for violating conflict of interest laws.

Stefanson paid Oct. 20 and PC MLA Jeff Wharton (Red River North) paid his $10,000 fine Oct. 27, according to a letter read out in question period Monday by Speaker of the House Tom Lindsey.

MLAs from across the aisle voted to fine those two, as well as former PC cabinet minister Cliff Cullen, on Oct. 7. All had 30 days to pay up.

The status of Cullen’s $12,000 fine payment wasn’t disclosed during question period Monday.

The vote earlier this month came after Manitoba’s ethics commissioner released a report in May.

He suggest Stefanson, then-deputy premier Cullen and then economic development minister Wharton acted inappropriately by attempting to push through approval of a silica sand mine project after the PCs lost to the NDP in the October 2023 provincial election.

A spokesperson with the Manitoba Legislative Assembly said if payment isn’t received by deadline the Speaker will notify the House during question period.

Progressive Conservative MLA Jeff Wharton (Red River North) during question period at the Manitoba Legislature on Oct. 1. (Bryce Hoye/CBC)