Sask. NDP MLA did not violate conflict-of-interest act by using social media to talk about her small business

NDP MLA Aleana Young speaks to reporters at the Saskatchewan Legislative building on Feb. 20, 2024.

Saskatchewan’s conflict of interest commissioner has found that NDP MLA for Regina South Albert Aleana Young did not violate any conflict-of-interest rules when she used her MLA social media account to speak about her small business.

Commissioner Maurice Herauf said the concern was first brought to his attention in September 2024 by now Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Jim Reiter.

According to Herauf’s report, issued March 17, Reiter felt that Young violated conflict-of-interest rules by repeatedly using her MLA social media accounts to promote her business, Takeaway Gourmet, it’s products and raise brand awareness, adding that Young expensed costs relating to her social media accounts to the legislative assembly.

Herauf said that if the accusations were proven, Young would have been in violation of the conflict-of-interest act for members of the legislature.

The act states that; “a member shall not use his or her office to see to influence a decision made by another person to further the members private interest, his or her family’s private interest, or the private interest of an associate.”

After Young was given the opportunity to speak on the accusations, Herauf said he determined that Reiter’s concerns were valid and notified both him and Young that he would be conducting an inquiry before making a final decision.

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Herauf noted that Young’s social media posts came close to the line of violating legislative rules. However, he was not convinced she did or attempted to influence anyone’s decision regarding her business.

“I accept her evidence that she was not intending to influence anyone in the favour of the company through these posts and stories. I accept Ms. Young’s testimony that she was trying to share her life with her constituents on social media,” Herauf said in the report.

In 2024, after the allegations came to light, Young told CTV News the following:

“I use my social media to talk about my work as an MLA, my exhaustion as a mom, sometimes some other sad things like running around the lake, but I also use it to talk about my business from time to time.”

The complaint launched by the government was the first of its kind. Social media guidelines were not previously contemplated.

Herauf’s ruling is applicable to all members of the legislature.

The conflict of interest commissioner’s full report can be read here.

-With files from Wayne Mantyka.