As an investigative outlet with a track record of success in exposing government misconduct and fighting for transparency, we at Community TV felt compelled to turn our lens toward the unfolding scandal just next door in Saskatchewan. The Regina Bypass project—a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure initiative—has become a case study in taxpayer exploitation, governmental opacity, and the devastating effects of poor planning.

Fresh off our recent victory in Medicine Hat, Alberta, where our efforts secured swift access to public records, we are applying the same tenacity to uncover the truths buried beneath the layers of controversy surrounding this colossal project. The bypass saga is not merely a local issue; it is a cautionary tale of unchecked authority and a lack of accountability, echoing concerns about how public funds are managed across Canada.

The story of Laurie Pushor's controversial appointment as CEO of the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is a textbook example of why transparency and accountability in public institutions must remain a priority. Community TV’s recent success in forcing the AER to release public records, including critical video evidence, is part of a broader movement demanding that public bodies operate in the clear view of the citizens they serve. Let’s unpack how these events intersect.

Laurie Pushor, central to a Saskatchewan government scandal involving the Global Transportation Hub (GTH), now finds himself leading an organization already mired in its own ethical crises. The GTH land deal saw Saskatchewan taxpayers lose millions due to land being purchased at inflated prices and sold at a loss, with Pushor playing a key role as senior advisor to the then-minister overseeing the GTH. Critics in both Saskatchewan and Alberta argue that his history should disqualify him from heading the AER, which is tasked with regulating one of Alberta's most critical and controversial industries.

The appointment has drawn widespread criticism. Opposition politicians, journalists, and advocacy groups have noted that an individual with such a contentious history undermines efforts to rebuild trust in the AER after its own scandal in 2019, which involved reckless spending, unethical management, and the misuse of public funds. These scandals highlight a systemic problem—a lack of oversight and accountability—that continues to erode public trust in both municipal and provincial governance.

Community TV’s role in bringing public records to light reflects the growing power of independent media to hold institutions accountable. By compelling the AER to release video evidence—despite significant resistance—Community TV has demonstrated how persistent advocacy can dismantle barriers to transparency. This achievement echoes the unanswered calls for greater openness in the Regina Bypass land deal and the AER’s own past conduct.

The parallels are striking. Just as the GTH scandal left many questions unanswered due to the Saskatchewan Party’s blocking of testimony and limited audit scope, Alberta’s regulatory body faced scrutiny for enabling lavish lifestyles and questionable private ventures at public expense. Laurie Pushor’s role in the GTH affair, coupled with his new position at AER, represents a continuity of opaque practices that undermine public confidence.

This confluence of events underscores why independent media—including Community TV—is essential. While traditional outlets often lack the resources or willingness to challenge powerful entities, grassroots organizations step in to amplify demands for accountability. The release of AER’s video records is a case study in the importance of public access to information. Transparency isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a necessary condition for democracy to function effectively.

The demand for transparency resonates beyond the AER and GTH scandals. Communities across Alberta and Saskatchewan are increasingly vocal about the need for clear, open governance. From municipal councils to provincial regulatory bodies, citizens are calling for measures that ensure public officials act in their best interest—not in service of hidden agendas or partisan allies.

Community TV’s work highlights how local media can bridge the gap between citizens and opaque institutions. By leveraging tools like Freedom of Information requests and persistent investigative reporting, Community TV empowers the public to scrutinize those in power. As the chorus for transparency grows louder, Community TV’s commitment to accountability positions it as a vital player in the broader movement for ethical governance.

Laurie Pushor’s appointment, viewed through the lens of these overlapping scandals, is a wake-up call. It reminds us that the fight for transparency in public institutions is ongoing and requires relentless effort. Community TV’s work—from the AER to municipal politics—is a testament to the power of media to drive meaningful change and ensure that the voices of citizens are not only heard but acted upon.

The Cost of Progress or the Price of Mismanagement?

The Regina Bypass, touted as a game-changing development for Saskatchewan’s economy and transportation network, promised to streamline traffic and spur growth. However, as the asphalt was laid, it became evident that the project was fraught with rushed decisions, ballooning costs, and a profound disregard for those caught in its path.

Enter Highway Robbery / Why Tower Road?, a non-profit organization born out of the chaos. Founded by a group of concerned citizens—including business owners directly impacted by the bypass—the organization has dedicated itself to shedding light on what they describe as “highway robbery” at the taxpayer’s expense.

The lawsuit recently filed by the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) against the AER provides a glaring example of the stakes involved. The suit alleges that the AER failed to notify the community of a significant tailings pond leak at the Kearl oil sands facility, which released an estimated 5.4 million litres of toxic waste over nine months. This failure not only violated the AER’s duty of care but also directly impacted the health, safety, and Treaty rights of the ACFN. The community’s frustration with the AER mirrors broader concerns about the regulator’s accountability under Pushor’s leadership. The spill has exacerbated fears about environmental degradation and its toll on Indigenous communities downstream of the oil sands.

ACFN Chief Allan Adam’s decision to serve lawsuit papers directly to Laurie Pushor during a tense community meeting underscores the growing distrust in regulatory institutions. The suit demands financial redress for the harm caused, including the royalties collected by Alberta during the period of the leak. This incident highlights the intersection of environmental justice, regulatory negligence, and the urgent need for institutional reform.

Community TV’s work highlights how local media can bridge the gap between citizens and opaque institutions. By leveraging tools like Freedom of Information requests and persistent investigative reporting, Community TV empowers the public to scrutinize those in power. As the chorus for transparency grows louder, Community TV’s commitment to accountability positions it as a vital player in the broader movement for ethical governance.

Laurie Pushor’s appointment, viewed through the lens of these overlapping scandals, should be a wake-up call. Can we get a convoy?

Lives Derailed and Dreams Destroyed

For many, the bypass is not a route to opportunity but a road to ruin. Super Seamless of Canada, a thriving local business, found itself blindsided by sudden, last-minute changes to the project’s plans. Despite securing approved permits for their relocation and expansion, their property was dissected, and their future decimated.

“When we tried to propose viable, cost-effective alternatives, we were ignored,” a representative from the company shared. “Our voices—and the voices of others in similar situations—were completely disregarded.”

This sentiment is echoed by other affected parties, who recount stories of displacement, financial loss, and broken promises.

The Quest for Answers

Refusing to accept the government’s actions without scrutiny, Highway Robbery embarked on an exhaustive journey to uncover the truth. Logging over 20,000 hours of research, they unearthed troubling patterns that raised questions about whose interests the project truly served.

The group’s findings, combined with a lack of transparency and accountability from officials, have galvanized them into action. Through grassroots efforts, media campaigns, and direct appeals to the public, they aim to ensure this level of mismanagement is not repeated.

A Pattern of Obstruction

Our investigation has revealed a disturbing pattern: when citizens seek answers, they are often met with barriers. From convoluted public records requests to dismissive responses from officials, the fight for transparency is an uphill battle. This aligns with our own experiences in Medicine Hat, where persistent advocacy was necessary to access records in the public interest.

It begs the question: if governments are so confident in their decision-making, why do they resist scrutiny?

The Public's Right to Know

The Regina Bypass is more than a failed infrastructure project—it is a breach of trust. Saskatchewan taxpayers deserve to know why alternatives were ignored, why costs skyrocketed, and why those impacted were treated as collateral damage.

At Community TV, we believe in the power of public accountability. By aligning with organizations like Highway Robbery, we amplify their call for justice and ensure the voices of those affected are heard. This collaboration underscores our commitment to uncovering the truth and holding those in power responsible.

Connecting the Dots

The scandal surrounding the bypass has implications that extend beyond Saskatchewan. It highlights the dangers of complacency and the need for rigorous oversight of public spending. Our own experiences fighting for transparency in Alberta remind us of the importance of vigilance. Without it, stories like this will continue to unfold, eroding public trust in our institutions.

A Call to Action

The founders of Highway Robbery have made their mission clear: to ensure this never happens again. They are urging citizens to stay informed, demand accountability, and advocate for change. Their website offers a comprehensive history of the Regina Bypass project and invites public participation in the movement for better governance.

For us at Community TV, this story represents the next chapter in our ongoing effort to shine a light on governmental missteps. Transparency isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of democracy. By exposing the Regina Bypass scandal, we aim to remind elected officials across Canada that they answer to the people.

As the asphalt settles and the dust clears, one thing remains certain: the fight for accountability is far from over. And with dedicated citizens and organizations leading the charge, the road to justice might yet be paved.