Former Legislative Speaker Calls for Investigation into MLA's Office Subletting Allegations
Former Speaker of Saskatchewan's legislative assembly Randy Weekes has publicly endorsed a conflict-of-interest investigation into allegations that Saskatoon Willowgrove MLA Ken Cheveldayoff violated provincial rules by subletting part of his taxpayer-funded constituency office to a Saskatchewan Party donor between 2017 and 2024.
Dispute Over Approval Claims
Weekes is directly challenging Cheveldayoff's assertion that three successive speakers permitted the subletting arrangement. In a formal statement, Weekes clarified his position: "While I was speaker, this situation was brought to my attention. I did not approve, in fact, I fully endorsed and approved steps to be taken to rectify this violation of the rules by the legislative officer."
The former speaker emphasized his intention to testify before the conflict-of-interest commissioner, describing it as his "obligation as the Speaker at the time." Weekes added, "It is long overdue that trust, accountability, transparency, and honour be restored to Saskatchewan politics."
Details of the Alleged Violation
According to investigative reports, Cheveldayoff leased approximately half of his Central Avenue constituency office to Churchman & Co. Law Office for approximately seven years. The law firm, now inactive, was operated by Elke Churchman, who made political donations totaling $2,150 to the Saskatchewan Party in 2020 and 2022.
Provincial legislature rules have explicitly prohibited subletting provisions in constituency office leases since 2016. Despite this prohibition, records indicate that legislative services paid $132,135 in public funds to cover Cheveldayoff's lease between May 2017 and February 2025.
Political Reactions and Calls for Transparency
Opposition NDP Leader Carla Beck is demanding full disclosure of all relevant documents and testimony from both Premier Scott Moe and Cheveldayoff regarding their knowledge of the arrangement and any actions taken. NDP ethics and democracy critic Jordan McPhail expressed strong condemnation, stating, "This whole thing stinks. The minister has been an elected official for two decades. He knew what he was doing was wrong, and it is shameful that he got away with it for so long."
The controversy highlights ongoing concerns about transparency and accountability within Saskatchewan's political system, with Weekes positioning himself as advocating for stricter adherence to established rules and ethical standards governing elected officials' use of public resources.
