Released on February 5, 2015
The Government of Saskatchewan today ordered the removal of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Sherwood #159’s Reeve Kevin Eberle after an inquiry found serious conflicts of interest and violations of the public trust by an elected official.“This is not a step any government would ever want to take, but the serious findings in this report require extraordinary action to ensure the best interests of Sherwood ratepayers are protected,” Government Relations Minister Jim Reiter said. “The inquiry findings reveal a number of serious breaches of the public trust by a municipal official and the Government of Saskatchewan has taken the necessary steps to restore this trust."
On June 16, 2014, Reiter appointed Justice Ron Barclay to conduct an inspection of the RM after a number of allegations were brought forward about the proposed Wascana Village development. Mr. Barclay’s interim report recommended that the inspection be elevated to an inquiry to examine the RM's conduct to determine whether the allegations were founded. That inquiry was ordered by Reiter on July 24.
The inquiry found that Mr. Eberle had a serious conflict of interest regarding the proposed Wascana Village development and that his actions were highly inappropriate, that the reeve had a direct pecuniary interest in the development, and that he had attempted to exert influence on the decisions regarding the Wascana Village concept plan.Therefore, under Section 402 of The Municipalities Act, the Government of Saskatchewan has removed Mr. Eberle and appointed an interim reeve -- Mr. Neil Robertson, Q.C. Under Section 400 of the Act, Reiter has issued a Minister’s Order to appoint an official administrator, Mr. Steven Schiefner.
The official administrator will work with the interim reeve, council, and the RM’s administration to oversee the day-to-day operations of the RM, and ensure the RM’s procedures and bylaws are sound and that the requisite work is done to complete the RM’s Official Community Plan.
The Minister’s Order also provides instructions for the holding of a by-election in October 2015 to fill the vacancy.“Mr. Barclay identified a number of areas and issues where the existing legislative provisions in the three municipal acts concerning conflict of interest are inadequate and need updating,” Reiter said. “We will address those concerns. During a time of economic growth and development, municipalities must be transparent, accountable and maintain the highest standards of integrity.
"We appreciate Mr. Barclay’s work and thank him for his due diligence on this file.”
The final report on the inquiry can be read at www.saskatchewan.ca/government/municipal-administration.
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For more information, contact:
Michael Harrison
Government Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6156
Email: michael.harrison@gov.sk.ca