Sask's ombudsman looks into officials failing to follow conflict of interest rules

Saskatchewan’s ombudsman is recommending a councillor from the RM of Sherwood – located near Regina – be removed.

The recommendation is made in Mary McFadyen’s recent report into three cases where elected officials failed to follow conflict of interest rules.

“These rules must be followed so that the public has confidence that their council is acting in the best interest of the community and not in their own personal, private interests,” said McFadyen.

McFadyen looked into the case of councillors Tim Probe and Joe Repetski on Sherwood council.

At a Jan. 13, 2016 meeting, both were required under the The Municipalities Act to declare an interest and step away from the discussions regarding money reimbursed to them. Neither of them did.

Repetski did not run in the fall 2016 municipal election. But Probe remains on council and McFadyen recommended council introduce a motion to disqualify him.

Probe is currently facing corruption charges.

McFadyen also investigated the sale of land made by the Village of Manor in April 2015. Council sold land used as a public campground without informing the public of its intent to sell. The land was sold to Sheldon Akins, the son of then Mayor, Vicki Akins.

Akins also did not seek recent re-election.

McFadyen is warning people if you aspire to public office or currently serve in a position, know the conflict of interest rules.

“If they are looking for advice on whether or not they find themselves in a conflict of interest they should definitely get advice because if they don’t follow the rules and they should have, the consequences can be very serious.”