Jeremy Cockrill under 2nd investigation by conflict of interest commissioner
CBC
Minister of Education Jeremy Cockrill is under investigation by Saskatchewan's conflict of interest commissioner for a second time.
According to Meara Conway, Opposition critic for ethics and democracy, Cockrill is being investigated for his investments in two helium companies the province had contracts with.
In a statement to the CBC, Cockrill said he did not participate in any government decisions regarding the helium industry. He also denied having any inside information.
In a letter to conflict of interest commissioner (COIC) Maurice Herauf, Conway wrote that according to Cockrill's 2022 disclosure, he invested that year in Helium Evolution and Royal Helium while a member of cabinet.
Both of those companies have been granted permits by the province.
"These particular investments raise questions given government initiatives to develop Saskatchewan's helium industry, as well as ongoing government contracts with these companies," wrote Conway.
In a news conference outside the Legislature on Wednesday morning, Conway provided details from her letter and said Saskatchewan citizens should be aware of the investigation.
"The facts suggest that Minister Cockrill abused insider knowledge to buy into a helium company, and right before that company scored big on government tax breaks," she said.
Section 29(1) of the Member's Conflict of Interest Act says any member with reasonable grounds can request the commissioner give an opinion on whether an MLA has contravened the law.
In an email to the CBC early Wednesday afternoon, COIC Maurice Herauf confirmed his office has received Conway's request.
"I determined there were reasonable and probable grounds to proceed as directed by ss. 29(1) and 30(1)(a) of the Act. The parties were advised of that determination in late July 2024."
Herauf said he has no further comments as the matter is ongoing.
In her letter, Conway quotes the year-end financial statement from Helium Evolution. She wrote that the company has significant land holdings because it was given helium permits covering 5.6 million acres of land by the Government of Saskatchewan.
On Wednesday, Conway said Helium Evolution and Royal Helium are the two helium companies "arguably partnering most closely with the Sask. Party government."
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