NDP’s Aleana Young cleared after conflict of interest investigation

The Conflict of Interest Commissioner at the Saskatchewan Legislature has cleared NDP MLA Aleana Young of allegations made about her cheese shop.

A complaint was made by a Saskatchewan Party MLA about social media posts young made about the business she’s owned since before she was elected as an MLA – Takeaway Gourmet in Regina’s Cathedral neighbourhood.

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Young frequently posted about the business, either directly or peripherally, from the same account she uses for official posts. Forty-two examples were mentioned in the commissioner’s report.

Commissioner Maurice Herauf said some of the posts “came close to the line” of conflict – specifically those where she talked about the store’s products, prices and hours.

Young told the investigation that she wasn’t trying to influence anyone with her posts, and simply wanted to share her life with constituents and promote herself as a real, accessible and genuine MLA.

The commissioner said an attempt to influence another person’s decisions is essential in finding a breach of the conflict of interest rules, and he didn’t find that in this case.

“While Ms. Young’s social media posts and stories depicting the Company and its products, prices and hours come close to the line, I accept her evidence that she was not intending to influence anyone in favour of the Company through these posts and stories,” wrote Herauf.

The complaint also noted that Young was referred to as an owner of the shop in media reports, but the commissioner said she can’t control how the media depicts her.

“I look forward to moving past this investigation and continuing to advocate on behalf of my constituents in Regina South Albert and on behalf of Saskatchewan’s incredible small business owners,” said Young in a statement.

The commissioner’s report comes a few months after conflict of interest investigations into Sask. Party MLA Jeremy Cockrill and former Sask. Party MLA Gary Grewal.