Public to learn more about GTH investigation

The RCMP is expected to release a statement regarding its investigation into the Global Transportation Hub (GTH) land deals this week.

Despite a number of people — including Premier Brad Wall and provincial auditor Judy Ferguson — confirming they have spoken to the RCMP about the GTH land deals, the force has yet to confirm the investigation or comment on it.

A police investigation into the GTH deals — which saw two Saskatchewan Party connected businessmen profit off of land purchases made by the government at inflated prices — has been ongoing since at least April 2016.

In August 2016, the Leader-Post reported ex-landowners concerned over the deals had spoken with RCMP officers.

At that time, the RCMP would not confirm or deny an investigation was ongoing.

That has remained the case for over a year.

Provincial auditor Judy Ferguson, who concluded taxpayers overpaid for the GTH land, told reporters in November police were investigating.

Premier Brad Wall said he spoke with the RCMP, characterizing the discussion as “extensive” and “thorough.”

Other people, including Progressive Conservative Party of Saskatchewan Leader Rick Swenson, have also spoken to the RCMP about the land deals. Swenson was one of a handful of people who complained about the GTH land deals to the RCMP.

Former Kindersley MLA Bill Boyd, who was kicked out of the Sask. Party caucus after being charged under environmental legislation, was also a key figure in the GTH land deals.

He said in August he had spoken with the RCMP “a number of weeks ago.”

But it remains unclear whether or not the investigation is ongoing or has concluded, because the RCMP has not shared any information about the matter.

Following Wall’s comments — made earlier this month — the Leader-Post asked the Justice Ministry if the RCMP had concluded its investigation and, if so, whether or not the matter had been referred to an out-of-province prosecutor.

In response, a statement was sent saying: “At this time, questions pertaining to an RCMP investigation would best be directed to RCMP F Division.”

Contacted Tuesday, an RCMP spokesperson said a statement would be provided Wednesday morning or sometime this week.