DEBATABLE TACTICS
Sask. Party looking into leaks
SASKATOON The Saskatchewan Party is investigating a possible leak of debate questions to one leadership candidate after three of the other candidates vying to replace Brad Wall signed a letter requesting an internal review.
Saskatchewan Party executive director Patrick Bundrock confirmed on Friday that the party received a letter signed by Tina Beaudry-Mellor, Scott Moe and Gord Wyant, and subsequently sent it to the six-member leadership election organizing committee (LEOC) for review.
Bundrock declined to comment on the specifics of the allegations in the letter.
Multiple sources close to the leadership race said the letter referenced a possible leak of questions ahead of a party-run debate — which Moe subsequently confirmed.
“Very serious and concerning information has come forward with respect to the debate questions, and answers to those questions, being provided in advance to one candidate,” Moe said Friday in a statement.
“Our expectation is the party will quickly and thoroughly investigate the matter and take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the race,” Moe said, adding that it “would not be appropriate to comment further.”
Wyant said in a statement that he signed the letter asking for an investigation after concerns were raised that information related to debate questions may have been shared with “a candidate.”
“I have full confidence in the members of the committee to quickly and thoroughly review this matter in the interest of ensuring this leadership race is conducted in a fair and transparent manner,” Wyant’s statement added.
Beaudry-Mellor confirmed, also in a prepared statement, that she was one of the letter’s signatories “asking for a review of the allegations raised in the leadership race.” She declined further comment “as this is an internal party matter.”
Ken Cheveldayoff said in a text message Friday afternoon that he did not sign the letter because he did not see any evidence that questions had been leaked.
“I think the story speaks for itself,” he added.
Rob Clarke said in a statement that he expects the party to conduct a thorough investigation because members deserve to know what happened and who was involved before filling in their ballots.
“This is exactly the kind of bad behaviour we need to get away from as a party,” Clarke’s statement added.
“If anyone is suggesting, I have no idea if they are, that the complaint is against our campaign that is a ridiculous accusation,” Kelly Gallagher, a spokesman for Alanna Koch, said in an email.
“Alanna has not received any questions prior to debates,” the email added.
Bundrock said he takes every complaint or allegation brought forward “very, very seriously,” and that he immediately sent it to the LEOC after confirming receipt of the letter with those who signed it.
The Sask. Party leadership race kicked off in August, after Wall announced plans to step down. The winner — and therefore the province’s next premier — is to be decided at a convention in Saskatoon on Jan. 27.