Sask. Education Minister Jeremy Cockrill under second conflict of interest investigation
CTV
Minister of Education Jeremy Cockrill is facing a second investigation by the province's Conflict of Interest Commissioner (COIC) – this time concerning investments into helium companies that have held government contracts.
Minister of Education Jeremy Cockrill is facing a second investigation by the province’s Conflict of Interest Commissioner (COIC) – this time concerning investments into helium companies that maintain ongoing government contracts.
Cockrill is facing scrutiny from the Opposition for his investments into Royal Helium and Helium Evolution. The investments are listed in his disclosure forms for both 2022 and 2023.
COIC Maurice Herauf confirmed that his office was made aware of allegations early this year and decided to pursue the matter.
“I determined there were reasonable and probable grounds to proceed as directed by ss. 29(1) and 30(1)(a) of the Act,” he told CTV News in an emailed response. “The parties were advised of that determination in late July 2024. I have no further comment as this matter is ongoing.”
Opposition critic for ethics and democracy Meara Conway shared a letter she wrote to the COIC highlighting the potential conflict in an event Wednesday morning.
“After the Sask Party government announced their plan to put big money into the helium industry, Cockrill bought shares in two of the biggest private sector players partnering with government,” she told reporters.
“This isn’t just a clear conflict, it also points to the possibility of insider trading.”
