Manitoba premier didn't breach conflict of interest with publication of children's book: report

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew did not breach the Conflict of Interest Act by publishing a children's book, Manitoba ethics commissioner Jeffrey Schnoor says.

Schnoor released an 18-page report on his findings on Wednesday. He launched the investigation after Fort Garry MLA Mark Wasyliw requested on Dec. 2 that he conduct an inquiry into Kinew's writing and publishing activity.

He alleged the book An Anishinaabe Christmas, written by Kinew and published on Oct. 8, 2024, breached the Conflict of Interest (Members and Ministers) Act. 

After Kinew was sworn in on Oct. 18, 2023, he met with Schnoor to discuss his work as an author and his ownership of Grey Cloud Media Inc., the report says.

"Upon consideration, I determined that it was appropriate to allow these activities, subject to conditions," Schnoor said. 

The ethics commissioner informed Kinew in a letter dated Nov. 2, 2023, that he must not promote the sale of his books and must ask the publisher to refrain from identifying him as the premier of Manitoba on any of the books and promotional materials. 

Kinew was also required not to submit anything else for publication in his role as premier unless it is related to his official powers, duties or functions, Schnoor said. 

The report said Kinew informed the ethics commissioner that before becoming the premier, he submitted three books and contributions to two anthologies through Grey Cloud Media Inc., and these works would be published at some point in the future. 

But it is up to the publisher on when these works will be published, and Kinew must play no role in this decision, the report said. Kinew was permitted to receive royalties from the sale of his books, monitor the receipt of the royalties and carry out regular management functions of Grey Cloud Media Inc. such as distributing the income and filing tax returns, the report said. 

Wasyliw alleged Kinew published the book with Penguin Random House and submitted new work for publication contrary to the direction from the ethics commissioner, and that he engaged in promotion for his works while in office, which the MLA said violated the act.

Sections 11 and 12 of the act restrict which activities cabinet ministers can engage in, which include not being able to have shares in a private corporation or be employed, have a business or have an office or directorship elsewhere, according to the report.

"These restrictions apply if the activity might conflict or be seen to conflict with the minister's official duties," Schnoor said. 

Exceptions can be applied if the material facts have been disclosed to the ethics commissioner and the commissioner is satisfied that the activity will not create a conflict between the minister or premier's private interests and their official powers, duties or functions. 

Schnoor noted in his report that "Wasyliw has provided no factual basis for most of his allegations," except for one: his concern over the children's book being published in October 2024, after Schnoor had provided direction to Kinew in November 2023.

Schnoor's investigation concluded there was not a breach regarding the conflict of interest in this instance.