Saskatchewan government not aware of new job by its ex premier

The Saskatchewan government has said that it is not aware of any relationship between the province and the Kinder Morgan-linked law firm for which former premier Brad Wall is serving as an adviser. However, the government added that it is something the province is “examining”. 

In a press release, Calgary-based Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP announced Wall will be a special adviser to the firm and its clients. The same company acted for Kinder Morgan Canada during its application to the National Energy Board expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline. 

Saskatchewan is a strong proponent of that project; last week the provincial government introduced legislation as part of an ongoing trade war with B.C., which is opposing the Trans Mountain expansion.  Minister of Export and Trade Development for Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison said he was “very happy for Premier Wall”. He also expressed that Wall would do very well post-politics.”  He dismissed any concerns of conflict of interest over Wall working for the company, telling reporters doing so was a “long bow to draw,” in part because the province is directly “working with Kinder Morgan” on the file.