Manitoba to Initiate 2026 Inquiry into Previous PC Government's Sand Mining Activities

Post by : Mina Rahman

On Friday, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew announced that his administration will launch a public inquiry in 2026 to examine the former Progressive Conservative (PC) government’s expedited approval of an environmental licence for the sand-mining company Sio Silica. This decision comes in the wake of an ethics commissioner’s ruling that found former Premier Heather Stefanson and two of her cabinet ministers guilty of breaching conflict of interest laws during the caretaker phase post-2023 election by advocating for the licence's approval.

Ethics commissioner Jeffrey Schnoor concluded that Stefanson, former deputy premier Cliff Cullen, and former cabinet minister Jeff Wharton contravened conflict of interest regulations through inappropriate lobbying on behalf of Sio Silica. As a consequence, the Manitoba legislature levied fines of $18,000 on Stefanson, $12,000 on Cullen, and $10,000 on Wharton, who currently serves as the PC MLA for Red River North.

While the ethics commissioner’s findings were comprehensive, Premier Kinew noted that many crucial questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding the motivations behind the former PC government's actions. He raised concerns asking, “What motivated them to take such risks for this project? What were the underlying incentives?” Schnoor’s inquiry was unable to investigate financial hold or other possible conflicts relating to the case.

The NDP government is in the process of formulating the inquiry’s terms of reference and is on the lookout for a competent commissioner to oversee the investigation. The inquiry is projected to take two to three years, with an intention to wrap up before the next provincial election scheduled for October 2027.

Additionally, Kinew indicated plans to enhance Manitoba’s lobbying laws, which he criticized as currently being “too lenient.” He emphasized the necessity for transparency to provide Manitobans a clear view of governmental actions and to safeguard the integrity of democratic processes.

This forthcoming inquiry into Sio Silica would be the third significant public investigation initiated by Kinew’s government. Another ongoing inquiry looks into the procurement and construction practices related to Winnipeg’s police headquarters, with public hearings anticipated to start in early 2026. Previously contemplated reviews regarding pandemic responses have been set aside in favor of focusing on future priorities.

However, not all are in favor of the inquiry. Paul Thomas, emeritus professor at the University of Manitoba, voiced skepticism about its purpose, deeming it “politically driven” and questioning whether it will genuinely benefit the public or serve more as a means for the NDP to use against their opponents. He cautioned about the financial implications, indicating that public inquiries can run into millions of dollars, a significant concern with the province's $1.6 billion projected deficit.

The Progressive Conservative Party has also expressed disapproval of the inquiry plan. PC leader Obby Khan accused Premier Kinew of engaging in “political maneuvers” regarding an issue that has already been addressed through fines and legislative measures.

In related news, Carla Devlin, president of Sio Silica, conveyed that the company intends to fully collaborate with the inquiry as it pursues responsible development of silica resources in Manitoba.

Elsewhere, Premier Kinew has dismissed rumors about the possibility of an early provincial election in 2026. Instead, he affirmed that the government is directing its attention toward critical issues such as enhancing healthcare services, expanding the Port of Churchill, addressing living costs, and combating homelessness.

Kinew highlighted new legislation designed to foster competition in the grocery sector to aid in lowering prices, while cautioning against direct financial aid to Manitobans, arguing that such measures could exacerbate inflation. He also announced goals to double the number of individuals transitioned from homeless encampments to permanent housing over the next year. The government remains committed to establishing a supervised consumption site in Winnipeg, despite pushback from some local residents and businesses, and is open to feedback to support affected businesses.