Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe has accepted the resignation of Highways Minister Joe Hargrave from cabinet.
Hargrave will continue to be a member of the government caucus and MLA for Prince Albert-Carlton.
Moe has chosen Carrot River Valley MLA Fred Bradshaw to take over as Minister of Highways and Minister responsible for the Water Security Agency.
This comes after Hargrave apologized, last week, for travelling to Palm Springs, California, on December 22nd, to finalize a property sale and moving back his belongings.
“It’s clear, that his decision to travel to Palm Springs just before Christmas was an error of judgement,” Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe said during a news conference on Monday. “It sent the wrong message at a time when everyone in this province is being asked to limit their household gatherings over Christmas and the holiday season.”
Premier Moe admitted he should have communicated more clearly to his fellow Sask. Party colleagues.
“I’ve advised our caucus that until further notice, they should not travel outside of the Province of Saskatchewan, except in cases of emergency or pressing government business. Any such travel would require prior approval from the Caucus Chair.” Moe said.
Current provincial and federal guidelines only strongly discourage travelling abroad.
Saskatchewan NDP Leader Ryan Meili issued this statement in response to news of Hargrave’s resignation:
“Premier Moe refused to show leadership today. Three days ago when the Minister’s actions were fine. Today when his bogus story about finalizing the sale of his house was exposed, Premier Moe said it was “irrelevant” but because of public pressure the Minister had to go. He shows no real understanding of the anger his government’s arrogance has caused. We all know none of this would have happened if they hadn’t been caught. There was no apology. The people of Saskatchewan deserve much better.”