Moe accused of soliciting donations after video of Toronto gala highlighted by opposition

The provincial NDP is accusing Premier Scott Moe of billing taxpayers for a “fundraising trip.” Moe was in Toronto earlier in the year for a summit, but also attended a business gala where attendees were asked to consider a political donation.

Moe travelled to Ontario’s capital in June for a Canada/U.S. summit made up of provincial and state leaders.

On June 12, while he was in the city, he was invited to attend the “Game Changer Gala” hosted by the Coalition of Concerned Manufacturers and Businesses of Canada (CCMBC) where he received an award.

The CCMBC was founded in 2016 and is described as an advocacy organization representing small and medium sized manufacturers and businesses of all sectors across Canada.

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The premier was introduced alongside former New Brunswick Premier Blaine Higgs.

“We should all want to support these good, solid premiers that are showing leadership across the country and having the guts to fight the destructive Trudeau government,” CCMBC President Catherine Swift said during her remarks.

“So again, I would encourage anyone that feels that way to contribute to the to the political fortunes of these two great premiers.”

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Moe said he did not expect the comments made by Swift at the gala.

“We weren't out soliciting donations. We were out engaging on the people of Saskatchewan’s behalf,” he said in his defence.

“We do this often, not just in the U.S. or Washington or Toronto. We do it often.”

The NDP maintain that the premier’s trek to Toronto was a fundraising trip.

“Saskatchewan people expect their leaders to be straight with them, even when there isn’t video evidence. But when there is, I mean, I think that is insulting to people,” Leader Carla Beck explained.

The government has maintained that the premier’s focus was the Canada/U.S. summit and that he did not solicit any donations.