REDFORD BLAMES MUNICIPALITIES FOR ILLEGAL DONATIONS

EDMONTON, AB (October 26, 2011): Premier Alison Redford owes Alberta municipalities an apology after suggesting yesterday in the Legislature that they are to blame for the illegal donations her PC party has accepted, Wildrose Municipal Affairs Critic Paul Hinman said.

Last week, it was revealed the PC party had solicited and accepted contributions from organizations like municipalities, school boards and post-secondary institutions that are prohibited by law from contributing to political parties. In a response to a question from Wildrose MLA Rob Anderson during Question Period, Redford said:

“Municipal leaders, who are also elected by their communities, have a responsibility to follow the rules. There is no doubt that auditors who are in place understand the rules, and I fully expect that everyone who is elected and fully engaged in auditing should understand the rules well enough to make sure that these things aren’t happening.”

Hinman said Redford should accept responsibility and show leadership by directing her party to stop leaning on municipalities – who depend on government funding – to donate illegally.

“For her to blame municipalities is ridiculous,” Hinman said. “Is she that naive to the process of how municipalities are funded by her government? They all know their funding is directly linked to their support of the party and their MLAs. Pointing the finger of blame is not leadership.  It is either denial or ignorance of the reality that past behaviour is rewarded.”

The Wildrose Caucus stands for free enterprise, less government, increased personal freedom and democracy.

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For further information or to arrange an interview, media are invited to contact:

Evan Menzies

Communications Assistant, Wildrose Caucus