Redford Government leading Canada on expense disclosure

The Government of Alberta has proactively disclosed expense claims for all members of cabinet, continuing to deliver on the Premier’s commitment of an open and transparent government.

PHOTO CREDIT -

Edmonton - December 6, 2012 - The Government of Alberta has proactively disclosed expense claims for all members of cabinet, continuing to deliver on the Premier’s commitment of an open and transparent government.

“Our proactive disclosure of our ministerial expenses back to the election, following the release of the Premier’s expenses earlier this fall, proves our commitment to accountability starts at the top,” said Don Scott, Associate Minister of Accountability, Transparency and Transformation. “We have put in place the toughest expense rules anywhere in Canada, and continue to deliver on a key promise made by Premier Redford. Albertans deserve no less.”

The expense claims from May through September were tabled in the Alberta Legislature Library and will be posted online in its online catalogue. Going forward, under the Government of Alberta’s tough new expense disclosure policy, travel and expense disclosure will be made available online every two months. The first two months of reporting under the new policy will be available in mid-December.

"We are pleased to see the government follow through on the Premier's commitment to openly and proactively post the expenses of her government's ministers online for Albertans to see,” said Derek Fildebrant, Alberta Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “This will make Alberta the leading jurisdiction in Canada when it comes to expense disclosure for politicians, and an example for other provinces and the federal government to follow."

Canada’s toughest expense disclosure policy applies to cabinet ministers and their senior staff, as well as senior officials across government and all agencies, boards and commissions.

“Albertans told us clearly they expected a more transparent government and I am proud that we’re continuing to deliver the change they voted for,” said Manmeet Bhullar, Minister of Service Alberta.