SaskEnergy Dismisses 13 Employees Following Internal Fuel Theft Investigation
Saskatchewan's primary natural gas utility, SaskEnergy, has taken decisive action by terminating the employment of 13 staff members in response to an internal investigation that uncovered fuel theft within the organization. The Crown corporation's parent company, Crown Investment Corporation (CIC), disclosed these findings in a recent loss report, highlighting significant internal control issues that have now resulted in personnel changes.
Timeline and Scope of the Theft Incident
The unauthorized fuel activities reportedly began in February 2024 and continued through the summer of 2025, with the construction department identified as the primary area where these thefts occurred. According to official documentation, the thefts have been formally reported to law enforcement authorities, and SaskEnergy has engaged an independent investigator to conduct a comprehensive review of the situation.
The company is currently working to determine the exact volume of fuel that was misappropriated, as the financial impact of these thefts remains unquantified. A complete investigative report is expected to be finalized later this month, which should provide more detailed information about the extent of the losses and the specific circumstances surrounding the incidents.
Separate Expense Claim Investigation Reveals Additional Issues
In a related development documented in the provincial report of losses for Ministries and Treasury Board Crown Corporations, questionable spending practices led to the termination of a manager with the Lloydminster Housing Authority. This separate case involved inappropriate expense claims totaling more than $10,000, including unauthorized fuel purchases and personal use of company assets.
These inappropriate claims occurred between April 2023 and December 2025, indicating a pattern of financial misconduct across different Crown entities. Provincial authorities have confirmed that this incident has also been reported to police and remains under active investigation.
Broader Implications for Crown Corporations
The simultaneous revelations of financial misconduct within SaskEnergy and the Lloydminster Housing Authority raise important questions about oversight and accountability mechanisms within Saskatchewan's Crown corporation system. These incidents demonstrate vulnerabilities in internal controls that have allowed both fuel theft and inappropriate expense claims to occur over extended periods.
The provincial government's response to these issues will likely involve:
- Strengthening internal audit procedures
- Implementing enhanced monitoring systems for fuel usage and expense claims
- Reviewing employee training and compliance protocols
- Establishing clearer reporting mechanisms for suspected misconduct
As both investigations progress, additional details may emerge about the specific circumstances surrounding these incidents and what preventive measures will be implemented to avoid similar situations in the future. The financial impact on SaskEnergy and taxpayers remains a significant concern that will require transparent reporting once the investigations conclude.
