Conflict commissioner finds former Sask. Party MLA broke rules as motel owner
CBC
Saskatchewan's conflict of interest commissioner has ruled that outgoing Saskatchewan Party MLA Gary Grewal breached rules by owning motels that profited from government contracts.
Earlier this year, NDP MLA Meara Conway asked the commissioner to investigate Grewal's involvement in the Sunrise Motel and Thriftlodge Motel. The Ministry of Social Services used both motels to house clients.
Grewal had represented Regina Northeast since 2020, but announced in February he was not seeking re-election.
The Member's Conflict of Interest Act says an MLA is considered to have had a conflict if they make or participate in making a decision while knowing that there is an opportunity to further their private interests.
Conflict of interest commissioner Maurice Herauf released his decision on Monday.
Herauf found that Grewal contravened subsection 15(5) of the Members' Conflict of Interest Act. Section 15 prohibits all MLAs from participating in "government contracts" unless doing so is specifically permitted by the Act or another statute.
Herauf said that as shareholder, director and officer of the Sunrise Motel, Grewal breached Section 15 when the government entered into contracts with the motel. He said as the creditor of the Thriftlodge Motel, Grewal loaned money to the owner and therefore has "an interest in" the motel, which also put him in breach of the rules.
Herauf said Grewal did disclose his interest in the businesses when elected in 2020.
"Grewal was not aware of the existence of those government contracts, nor could he reasonably have been expected to be aware of their existence until December 15, 2023," Herauf said.
However, Herauf said Grewal was obligated to comply with the Act within 90 days of being made aware of participation in a government contract (Dec. 15, 2023). Grewal did not do so.
Grewal had been involved with the Sunrise Motel since 2001, but was not involved in day-to-day operations since 2007, Herauf wrote.
Herauf said Grewal did not get involved in the finances of the motel or set room rates after his election in 2020 and his spouse handled bookkeeping. Grewal earns income from the business through Grewal Hospitality Inc., which was incorporated in 2011.
Herauf said Grewal was in contravention of the Act with the Sunrise Motel from Mar. 15, 2024, to July 17, 2024, and with the Thirftlodge from Mar. 15, 2024, to July 31, 2024.
He said Grewal, "directed his spouse that the Sunrise Motel must cease accepting Social Services clients as guests March 15, 2024."
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