Cockrill’s contract tied to family business deemed ‘minor’ breach of Conflict of Interest Act

Saskatchewan’s conflict of interest commissioner has ruled that Health Minister Jeremy Cockrill violated the province’s conflict of interest legislation in 2021. 

However, Commissioner Maurice Herauf deemed the breach "minor" and determined that no significant action was necessary beyond a reprimand.

Herauf’s report found that Cockrill breached Section 15 of the Conflict of Interest Act, which prohibits legislators from benefiting from government contracts. 

The violation occurred between June 23, 2021, and December 14, 2021, when Fortress Windows and Doors, a business owned by Cockrill’s in-laws, secured nearly $180,000 in contracts with the Battleford Housing Authority.

At the time, Cockrill was employed by the company as an adviser and part-time salesperson. 

Cockrill was involved in marketing Fortress and received hourly wages and a year-end bonus of over $2,000. 

Cockrill left the company in August 2021 but retained a financial interest until December 2021, when he received the bonus.

Despite the violation, Herauf ruled Cockrill’s actions were neither intentional nor deliberate, noting that Cockrill properly disclosed his income from the company in public documents for 2020 and 2021.

Cockrill had also consulted Herauf’s office regarding his disclosures. 

These factors contributed to the commissioner’s decision to recommend only a reprimand.

“In these circumstances, I do not consider a fine, suspension or declaration of vacancy appropriate,” said Herauf.

“Nor do I see any purpose in ordering the member to comply with the act, as Mr. Cockrill’s interest in Fortress has long ended.”

Cockrill faced a second investigation this year, which Herauf cleared him of wrongdoing. 

This second investigation concerned Cockrill’s investments in two helium companies, Helium Evolution and Royal Helium, that had contracts with the provincial government. 

Herauf found that Cockrill did not participate in any decisions or discussions related to the companies. 

While Cockrill attended cabinet meetings where the helium sector was broadly discussed, Herauf determined the contracts were awarded under standard terms and publicly available conditions, exempting Cockrill from a conflict under the Act.

The investigations were launched following complaints by Saskatchewan NDP MLA Meara Conway, who called for scrutiny of Cockrill’s business connections. 

This report is the second ruling from Herauf’s office this year involving government MLAs breaching conflict of interest rules. 

In the other case, former MLA Gary Grewal was found to have violated the Act by owning motels that benefited from government contracts.

Cockrill and the Sask Party have not commented on the commissioner’s report.