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Manitoba politician says he thought he was within his right to push silica mine

Jeff Wharton, who served in the Manitoba cabinet before the October 3, 2023 election, attempted to secure approval for a silica sand mining project after his party’s electoral defeat.
In the days following the election, Wharton attempted to invoke a rarely referenced provision of the Environment Act, but his plan was opposed by two Tory ministers and government officials.
The NDP government led by Wab Kinew formally rejected the project months later, citing concerns about potential drinking water impacts and broader environmental risks.
The provincial ethics commissioner concluded that Wharton, along with former premier Heather Stefanson and deputy premier Cliff Cullen, breached the conflict of interest rules and suggested fines; Wharton, the only one still active in politics, acknowledged the findings and issued an apology.
Wharton remains in the Tory caucus but lost his critic duties, and the NDP says the opposition owes the public a full explanation of these actions.

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Former PC cabinet minister thought push for Manitoba silica mine was within rules

A former Manitoba cabinet minister says he thought he was following the rules when he tried to push the approval of a silica sand mine after his party was defeated in an election.

1 day ago·Canada

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