Legislative Report (9 October 2008)

NDP Caucus Office Fraud Scandal Confirmed

In his report on the 1992 NDP Fraud Scandal, Saskatchewan Conflict of Interest Commissioner Gerald Gerrand wrote: “This sad little tale of theft would have been long forgotten if those that learned of it had dealt with the theft in an honest, straight forward and transparent manner.”

Gerrand’s report on the events surrounding the 1992 theft of funds from the NDP caucus confirmed there was a cover-up involving former NDP chief of staff Jim Fodey and former NDP cabinet minister Glenn Hagel. The Commissioner wrote that Fodey, assisted in part by the former MLA for Moose Jaw North, cast a “veil of secrecy and deception,” over the affairs surrounding the theft of caucus funds by a former NDP caucus staff member named Ann Lord. Fodey misled both the police and the media about the circumstances surrounding Ms. Ford’s departure from the NDP caucus. At an NDP Caucus meeting in 1992, Hagel told members that Ann Lord had resigned, which was factually incorrect. Hagel also took no steps to correct inaccuracies given by Jim Fodey to reporters from the Leader Post.

In his conclusion, Gerrand states: “Regrettably, those that first learned of it chose to deceive and mislead others about the theft for misguided political purposes.”

The findings of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner’s report beg several questions:

1. Why did the NDP rush through a $131,000 taxpayer funded severance for Jim Fodey, without waiting for the report? The report provides clear reasons why Mr. Fodey should have been fired with cause and should have received no severance. NDP leader Lorne Calvert needs to explain why he was in such a rush to pay Fodey off.
2. Will Glenn Hagel be allowed to run for the NDP in future elections? Glenn Hagel withheld information about the theft from his own caucus, but was still an NDP candidate in the last election.
3. Did the NDP learn anything from their election defeat? Prior to the election, they gave Murdoch Carriere $275,000 after being let go for harassment and being convicted of assault. After losing the election, NDP gave Jim Fodey $131,000 after he covered up a theft. It would seem the answer to the above question is absolutely nothing.

Promise Kept: Reviewing the Crop Insurance program

Agriculture Minister Bob Bjornerud has accepted the comprehensive review of the Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Program, after extensive consultation with producers and stakeholders. A complete review of the crop insurance program was one of the promises our government made during the election campaign. Recommendations include re-introducing spot-loss hail coverage; yield trending; increased coverage for the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program and overall simplification of the program. Details on the 2009/10 Crop Insurance Program will be unveiled in February of next year.

Helping farmers hit hard by drought

Acknowledging the important role agriculture plays in our province, your Saskatchewan Party government has announced enhancements to the Farm and Ranch Water Infrastructure Program. Due to ongoing dry conditions in 65 drought-designated rural municipalities in Southwest Saskatchewan, several enhancements have been announced. Funding for on-farm projects has been increased from 50 per cent to 65 per cent of eligible costs; funding for community well projects goes from 66 per cent to 85 per cent of eligible costs; the installation of power to a maximum $300,000 and generators will be added as an eligible on-farm cost. Our government is committed to providing long-term solutions for our producers. These improvements will help develop water supplies in Southwest Saskatchewan that are critical to the growth and security of the agriculture industry.

Assessing the infrastructure needs of Northern Saskatchewan

Three days and 2,600 kilometres later, Highways and Transportation Minister Wayne Elhard says he has an improved understanding of the infrastructure challenges facing Northern Saskatchewan. Minister Elhard’s tour of Northern Saskatchewan began in Meadow Lake, and took him through La Loche, Stony Rapids, Points North, Wollaston Lake, the Hatchet Lake First Nation and Missinipe. Our government has invested $37 million in northern infrastructure this year and this trip will help us plan for additional strategic investments in the north. We recognize the importance improved road networks play in developing and expanding our province’s resource-based industries, much of which is based in the north. Improving infrastructure will also improve the qualify of life for people who live in Northern Saskatchewan.

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