The Saskatchewan New Democratic Party is demanding Premier Scott Moe remove MLA Doug Steele from his position as Government Caucus Chair following testimony in an ongoing human trafficking trial that has resumed in Rosetown.
The high-profile case involves allegations that a woman was trafficked and sexually assaulted. During cross-examination, MLA Steele acknowledged that he had privately messaged the woman, referring to her as “pretty lady” on at least one occasion. The NDP says this testimony raises serious ethical and procedural concerns about his conduct.
Steele also admitted to deleting messages exchanged with the woman and said he feared for her safety but did not contact law enforcement. According to the NDP, he failed to document their interactions formally and instead sought advice from an unrelated MLA and a political staffer, rather than alerting appropriate authorities such as police or victim services.
“Based on Doug Steele’s own testimony, his behaviour was highly inappropriate and extremely troubling,” said Brittney Senger, the NDP's Shadow Minister for Ethics & Democracy. “Elected officials must follow proper procedures to protect vulnerable people, not put them in greater danger.”
Senger questioned why Steele would attempt to handle the situation personally, rather than involving trained professionals.
“He could’ve called in the RCMP. He could’ve called in victim services. Why would he choose to deal with this young, scared, vulnerable woman on his own and in what seems to be an inappropriate way?” Senger added.
The NDP is urging Premier Moe to remove Steele from his leadership role within the government caucus to uphold ethical standards and public confidence while the legal process unfolds.
In addition to concerns over the Rosetown case, the NDP has also criticized Steele’s handling of the “Queen-of-Canada” occupation in Richmound, a village in his constituency, which has seen self-styled sovereign citizens occupy public spaces and challenge local governance. The NDP continues to call for a comprehensive multi-agency review of the government's response, which they say has been lacking over the past two years.
“The people of Saskatchewan deserve to know their elected representatives have their back and will deliver for them, now and into the future,” said Senger.
As of publication, Premier Scott Moe has not responded publicly to the NDP’s call for Steele’s removal. The case in Rosetown remains before the courts.