REGINA – MLA Gene Makowsky says he has accepted speaking fees from charities, but that he’s now paying them back.
He had a change of mind after reading the Premier’s remarks concerning Justin Trudeau, in the paper on Saturday.
“We’re elected officials and we have a higher standard,” said Makowsky.
Last week, the premier called for Justin Trudeau to return money he accepted from charities for speaking engagements, as much as $20,000 an appearance, including a literacy event in Saskatoon.
On Friday, Wall said, “Was it the right thing to do in the first place? Probably not, I would argue, but now the right thing can be done.”
The sentiment resonated with Makowsky. He too had accepted speaking fees from KidSport in Regina, and the kinsmen in Estevan, but has since returned them.
“I hadn’t thought from that perspective before that as an MLA or an MP, speaking fees are sort of built into your compensation as an elected member, so I thought it was the right thing to do to write two cheques,” he said.
Premier Wall wasn’t available for comment, but in a statement Tuesday said: “As a very famous Rider, he has received appearance fees for a long time. When he heard about the issue, he reimbursed the groups.”
Makowsky had checked with the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, who did tell him accepting money for the speaking events was alright.
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Unless solicited for his advice, the Conflict of Interest Commissioner typically only investigates complaints. There is no formal process to report speaking engagements. KidSport doesn’t have a problem with speakers at their fundraisers being paid, but can see the issue with elected officials.
“I would say they are a community person and you know, an employee of sorts of the community, especially Regina, and so I think they would owe a bit of due diligence to those community groups, as well,” said Regina Sport District Executive Director, Raynelle Fischer, who also speaks for KidSport.
It’s precisely that view that now has both parties saying they won’t accept similar fees in the future.
“I think we should be guided by common sense here, and that’s what’s guided our actions as an NDP caucus to not accept payment for speaking,” said Leader of the Opposition Cam Broten.
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