Premier apologizes for misleading statement

NDP calls for across-government list of who travelled where, and who paid for it

Premier Scott Moe is formally apologizing for misleading the legislative assembly and has drastically changed his narrative about vendor-sponsored travel.

Last week, Moe was responding to questions put forward by the NDP about vendor-sponsored travel.

Three employees of ehealth, which handles information technology and vital statistics for the Saskatchewan Health Authority, were fired after it was discovered they had taken trips to luxurious locations and events paid for by companies receiving government contracts.

That prompted NDP calls for a review of all vendor-sponsored travel done by government officials.

In response, Moe said on Thursday, “With respect to vendor sponsored travel, there are examples where vendor-sponsored travel actually does happen in the ministries.”

He volunteered an example, telling MLAS and the public a machine “needed for cancer treatment” was purchased, and a training session was paid for by the vendor.

But later that day it was discovered that was not the case. In a statement, Moe’s office pointed the finger at public servants, saying the example was “provided by the Saskatchewan Health Authority” and that upon further review, “it was determined that was not an example of vendor-sponsored travel.”

Now, rather than claiming “there are examples” of when such travel justifiably takes place, as he did last week, Moe is saying vendor-sponsored travel is “not OK.”

Despite that policy being described differently less than a week ago by Moe, the premier says he is “confident as we move forward” the policy of no vendor-sponsored travel, under any circumstances, is being followed and has been held up in the past.

He said he had “faith in the public service” to conduct the review to ensure no other instances of vendor-sponsored travel have taken place.

NDP Leader Ryan Meili continued his call for the province to release an across-government list of who travelled where, and who paid for it.

He said he would have liked to hear Moe commit to getting to the bottom of the issue, but instead has heard changing narratives from the premier.

“That resistance of accountability is really a big issue,” he said, adding Moe and his cabinet are “ultimately responsible” for mistakes made in government.

“This idea of pointing the finger elsewhere and then hiding behind the public sector to resist criticism really is, well it looks cowardly,” he said.