Conservative candidate Warren Steinley responds to impaired driving conviction

In a statement Thursday, Warren Steinley — the Conservative Party candidate for Regina-Lewvan — confirmed that he once had been convicted of impaired driving.

He since has been pardoned.

“Over 20 years ago, when I was 19 years old, I made a mistake. I took responsibility for my actions and paid the consequences,” Steinley wrote in an emailed statement.

“Since this mistake, I have moved on with my life, started a family, spent eight years as an MLA and given back to the community I hope to represent.

“The fact is that impaired driving in Saskatchewan is far too prevalent and continued action must be taken to prevent impaired driving in our province.”

Steinley, a former Saskatchewan Party MLA for Regina Walsh Acres, was first elected to the legislature in 2011.

In 2016, following news of MLA Don McMorris’ impaired driving charge, five Sask. Party and NDP candidates were brought to the forefront during the spring election. However, Steinley’s name was not among them.

Steinley resigned from the Legislative Assembly in September to pursue federal politics.