Airdrie MLA Rob Anderson called on Finance Minister Doug Horner to resign and “pay back the cost of flying family members on government aircraft at least 23 times,” at the Wildrose offices in Calgary on Sept. 2.
The call comes after media reports released Sept. 2 allege Horner flew his wife on government flights as well as PC Leadership Candidate Thomas Lukaszuk who flew his daughter and wife on government planes during his time as MLA between 2007 and 2012.
“If these reports are indeed true, Mr. Horner is just as guilty as his cabinet colleagues and the former premier in abusing the fleet. That means not only was Mr. Horner turning a blind eye to the abuses happening on his watch, he was also taking part in them,” Anderson said.
“Without question, if Mr. Horner wants to show any sense of integrity for the office that he holds, he should immediately resign his position as Treasury Board and Finance Minister and pay back the money. If he won’t, Premier Hancock should relieve him.”
The Department of Finance oversees all use and scheduling of the Province’s aircraft.
“Since first appointed to Cabinet 10 years ago, Minister Horner has attended thousands of events on behalf of government. Often, his wife is invited to attend,” said Jessica Jacobsmino, communications officer with the Department of Finance.
“There are a total of 11 return trips dating back to 2007.”
Jacobsmino provided the Airdrie City View with the following flights used by Horner: April 5, 2013 (return flight) – Attended Premier Klein’s funeral, having served on his Cabinet. Spouse invited to attend; October 25, 2012 (return flight) – Attended SAIT President’s Gala as former Advanced Education Minister and alumnus. Spouse invited to attend; September 21, 2012 (return flight) – Attended Premier Lougheed’s funeral. His father was Deputy Premier to Premier Lougheed, and served in Cabinet. Spouse invited to attend; July 4, 2012 (return flight) – Attended Provincial-Territorial Finance Ministers meeting, as well as US Consul General 4th of July celebration and Bullbustin’ event. Spouse invited to attend and July 24, 2010 (return flight) – As Advanced Education Minister, spoke on behalf of Premier at Banff Centre opening of the new Kinnear Centre with Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. Spouse invited to attend.
“It’s important to note that the Legislative Assembly entitles all MLAs to claim 4 flights for their spouses each year, which speaks to the expectation that spouses attend events with elected officials. Minister Horner has never made such a claim,” Jacobsmino said.
“As we’ve stated repeatedly, the current ATS policy left passengers on any government aircraft to the discretion of the requesting Minister. We recently confirmed with the Auditor General that it is acceptable for a Minister’s spouse to fly on government aircraft, provided government business is conducted. This is reflected in the new rules we instated in response to the Auditor General’s report. It will be up to the next Premier to review ATS in full and determine next steps for government aircraft.”
Lukaszuk paid back the amount of the flights last month to the Province after an Auditor General report was commissioned arising over concerns from former Premier Alison Redford’s use of the fleet.
The report, released Aug. 7, included six recommendations including; establishing an oversight of the Premier’s Office expenses and use of government aircraft; conducting periodic Air Transportation Service (ATS) Program evaluations; clarifying aircraft use policies, re-evaluating out-of-province use of government aircraft and reporting the cost of using government aircraft.
The cost of the Auditor General report was $485,400.
According to Anderson, Horner also misled the Legislature when he insisted there was “legitimate government business in Grande Prairie in October 2012 the day planes flew several PC MLAs there to attend a PC Party fundraiser that night.”
Premier Dave Hancock responded to the Auditor General report on Aug. 7 stating that the government would “accept all six recommendations.”
“It’s unfortunate that the Auditor General’s report may cast a shadow on the excellent work done by public servants. And I accept that our government now has a responsibility to re-earn the trust and confidence of Albertans,” Hancock said.
“This will be our highest priority, beginning now and continuing under the leadership of a new premier in the fall.”
