EDITOR'S NOTE: This article has been corrected to remove an incorrect subheading written by an editor. The home of former Service NL minister Sherry Gambin-Walsh was never searched by police and we have retracted that incorrect information. The Telegram apologizes to Ms. Gambin-Walsh for the error.
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Sherry Gambin-Walsh has been removed from the cabinet of Premier Dwight Ball.
Late Friday, Gambin-Walsh called Ball to inform him of the general warrant issued to her. The warrant is related to allegations of breaches of cabinet confidence. The RCMP executed the warrant, and their investigation continues.
“After the conversation, I took the immediate steps to put in place a new minister,” said Ball.
Finance Minister Tom Osborne was sworn in as acting minister of Service NL at 4 p.m. Saturday.
The search warrant says the investigation covers timeframe from June 1, 2018 to March 12, 2020. The RCMP are investigating whether Gambin-Walsh committed a breach of trust, which is contrary to section 122 of the Criminal Code of Canada.
The warrant says officers will be investigating any electronic devices used to communicate, specifically cellphones.
Ball says given the nature of the allegations, he had to remove Gambin-Walsh from cabinet.
“Any time you get any minister that’s under investigation for a breach of cabinet confidence, there’s really no choice. As the premier, as the leader, you take the minister — the privileges of being a cabinet minister — the responsibilities would be removed,” said Ball.
“It’s up to the investigation to determine the outcome and what that will be.”
Ball says the investigation into Gambin-Walsh’s conduct will not interfere with government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The priority for us is still and remains the pandemic and the COVID-19 crisis, that not only Newfoundland and Labrador is facing, but we’re facing as a country and a global impact,” said Ball.
Gambin-Walsh remains the MHA for Placentia-St. Mary’s and remains in the Liberal caucus. He says he will wait for the outcome of the investigation to take further steps if necessary.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to move through Newfoundland and Labrador, with one death to date.
An unprecedented economic crisis also looms over the province, as Brent crude oil remains below $30 per barrel.
Osborne’s full job title is now: minister of Finance; president of Treasury Board; minister responsible for the Human Resource Secretariat; minister responsible for the Public Service Commission; minister responsible for the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation; and minister responsible for the Office of the Chief Information Office; acting minister of Service Newfoundland and Labrador; acting minister responsible for the Public Procurement Agency; and acting minister responsible for Workplace NL.
