Wharton latest Tory to announce exit from politics

Progressive Conservative MLA Jeff Wharton, a former cabinet minister caught up in the Sio Silica controversy, has announced he will retire rather than run in the next provincial election.

Wharton, who represents Red River North, was first elected in 2016 in what was then the constituency of Gimli, when the PCs, led by Brian Pallister, formed government.

He was re-elected in what is now called Red River North — after electoral boundary changes — in 2019 and again in 2023.

“I want to express deep gratitude to my Progressive Conservative caucus colleagues,” said Wharton, in a statement released by the party.

“Working alongside them has been among the most rewarding aspects of public life, with shared efforts through both successes and challenges. Confidence remains strong in the direction set by party leader Obby Khan and the path toward forming the next provincial government.”

Wharton said he made the decision to retire after “thoughtful consideration” and with the support of his wife and family.

Wharton held a number of cabinet roles under Pallister and Heather Stefanson, who replaced him.

He was fined $10,000 in the fall for breaking the province’s conflict of interest law, when he was economic development minister under Stefanson.

Wharton, Stefanson and then-deputy premier Cliff Cullen were found by the ethics commissioner to have tried to get the controversial Sio Silica mining project approved, after the PCs lost the October 2023 election, but before the incoming NDP government was sworn in.

Before he was elected to the legislature, Wharton was elected councillor in Winnipeg Beach in 1998 and served for four years, including two as deputy mayor. He also worked at his family’s trucking company.

He’s the fifth Tory who has said they won’t run in the election, which must be held on or before Oct. 5, 2027.

They are Richard Perchotte, who was elected MLA for Selkirk in 2023; Ron Schuler, who was first elected in 1999 and represents Springfield-Ritchot.

Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen announced in December he would not run again, after what will be a 24-year career in the legislature.

Doyle Piwniuk, MLA for the Turtle Mountain constituency, announced in November he plans to exit political life. He was first elected in 2014.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca