Calls for a judicial inquiry into Alberta Progressive Conservative MLAs’ possible misuse of government resources are increasing after revelations of abuse by former premier Alison Redford came out last week in the auditor general’s report.
Opposition parties say Redford could not have acted alone in her misuse of government aircraft and travel costs. They want to know who else in the Tory government knew of her activities and helped her and what other abuses have occurred.
“This investigation shouldn’t end with Redford. This issue of entitlement runs through the entire PC party” says NDP MLA Deron Bilous. “The NDP want to see those involved compelled to answer questions about abuse of public assets under oath…. Trying to scapegoat only one person has gone on long enough” he adds.
The Canadian Taxpayers’ Federation (CTF) has followed government spending issues closely. CTF Alberta director Derek Fildebrandt is also pushing for an inquiry saying it’s the only way to make officials answer questions fully.
“If the new premier is to have any hope of convincing Albertans that he and the PC Party are serious about getting to the bottom of who knew what he will call a full judicial inquiry” he said in an August 13 press release.
Meanwhile in an August 9 email to PC party members Finance Minister Doug Horner stressed he was unaware of Redford’s activities and should not be held to account for them. Opposition parties have also called for Horner’s resignation.