Finance Minister Donna Harpauer spoke to a gathering of chamber of commerce members in P.A. last week. (Charlene Tebbutt/paNOW Staff)

By Glenn Hicks

municipal inquiry

Finance Minister distances herself from Pinehouse inquiry

Apr 6, 2019 | 11:10 AM

Saskatchewan’s Minister of Finance has recused herself from discussions involving the Village of Pinehouse, which is now under the microscope of an inquiry, following a recently concluded inspection.

The government confirmed Donna Harpauer would not take part in conversations as the Ministry of Government Relations continues a formal probe into the northern municipality’s finances and operations.

In recent years, Harpauer accepted two gifts of hotel stays from Pinehouse councillor Conrad Misponas who is also a friend. It was later determined those gifts were paid for by the village. The province’s conflict of interest commissioner later determined Harpauer had not been in conflict.

On Thursday, the opposition NDP’s ethics critic David Forbes called for the recusal to ensure the ongoing inquiry was credible. He also called for the initial report into Pinehouse by inspector Neil Robertson to be made public, something the government said it was not yet prepared to do.

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In a statement to paNOW regarding Harpauer’s position, the government said: “Minister Harpauer has upheld her responsibilities as an MLA and Minister as outlined by the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act, and has recused herself whenever a potential conflict of interest has arisen. This includes discussions surrounding the Northern Village of Pinehouse.”

Newspaper the Saskatoon StarPhoenix reported earlier this week it had obtained a copy of the initial report by Robertson which includes recommendations to have Pinehouse mayor Mike Natomagan and councillor Conrad Misponas removed from their positions for a “failure to perform duties” under the provincial Local Authority Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy legislation as well as “apparent contraventions” of the Northern Municipalities Act.

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glenn.hicks@jpbg.ca

On Twitter:@princealbertnow