Last week, Alberta’s Ethics Commissioner, Marguerite Trussler, concluded that Premier Danielle Smith contravened the Conflict of Interest Act.
According to Trussler’s report, the violation is related to Smith’s conversations with Tyler Shandro, Alberta’s Minister of Justice, about criminal charges against Artur Pawlowski.
On May 2, Pawlowski was found guilty of mischief for his role in inciting protests at the Coutts Blockade in February 2022.
“I am satisfied Mr. Pawlowski intended to incite the audience to continue the blockade intended to incite protesters to commit mischief,” said Justice Gordon Krinke in his verdict.
Before Pawlowski was found guilty, the NDP released audio from a phone call between Smith and Pawlowski. In the call, Smith offers to inquire about Pawlowski’s case on his behalf.
She also assures Pawlowski that she is questioning “…our prosecutors…almost weekly.” This statement put Smith in some scolding hot water, with some accusing her of talking to Crown prosecutors.
While Smith did contravene the Conflict of Interest Act, Trussler’s report determined she did not contact Crown prosecutors directly. But according to former Alberta Attorney General Jim Foster, that’s not the end of the story.
He believes the Crown should investigate Smith’s case further and thinks a criminal obstruction of justice charge may be warranted.
“(Trussler) had to approach this through a lens of ethics law, and if you approach this through a lens of criminal law, you may well conclude that there’s the possibility of a serious criminal offence having occurred,” said Foster.
The Grave Gets Deeper
Pawlowski is now accusing Smith of lying about the nature of their phone call. Initially, Smith claimed she discussed Pawlowski’s case as a politician listening to a constituent.
However, Smith quickly changed her tune when critics accused her of interfering in the justice system. In April, Smith claimed Pawlowski bullied her into a conversation about his case.
Pawlowski is calling bullshit.
“Why did she flip-flop four times in the same breath with the same story? Because when you lie, you can’t keep your facts straight,” commented Pawlowski.
Last week, Pawlowski called a news conference to lay bare everything. According to Pawlowski, members of Smith’s team offered him shiny incentives to join the UCP cause.
This included a secure legislature seat, cash, amnesty, and leading a government investigation of the pandemic. Pawlowski says he turned down all of the supposed offers.
Pawlowski’s accusation is bold, but there are good reasons to be skeptical since he refused to provide evidence or witnesses to support his claim.
“The premier is not aware of any of the conversations, or alleged offers referenced by Mr. Pawlowski in his comments today and strongly questions the credibility of his claims,” stated Smith’s campaign in response to Pawlowski’s claims.
Smear campaigns are all the rage this election. Is this just nasty politics, or is Pawlowski telling the truth?
It’s up to voters to decide.
