Wildrose condemns partisan funding decision by PC government members
Edmonton, AB (June 14, 2010): Today, the Wildrose Alliance Caucus condemned the results of a Members’ Services Committee vote that saw all PC government members vote against fair funding for all opposition parties.
“We used extensive research, consultation with experts on previous decisions and a well-defined set of principles to develop our request regarding equitable funding for all opposition parties in Alberta,” stated Paul Hinman, Acting Leader for the Wildrose Alliance Caucus (for all matters pertaining to party leadership in the Legislature) and MLA, Calgary-Glenmore. “All of the opposition parties and independent members supported our request, yet the PC Caucus tried to use every rule and technicality to deny our elected caucus appropriate funding.”
“Previous precedents showed that other political parties have received funding to do the legislative work that is needed, yet the PC Caucus somehow ignored those facts and was determined to play a political game to deny funding to a rival,” said Rob Anderson, Wildrose Alliance Caucus House Leader and MLA, Airdrie-Chestermere. “Our three-member legislative caucus was only asking for the same funding as the two-member ND caucus.”
“Unlike the PC Caucus, we have been clear and straightforward about our request. We want to make sure that all opposition parties can do their job properly and that requires funding,” added Heather Forsyth, Wildrose Alliance Caucus Coordinator and MLA, Calgary-Fish Creek. “This decision by the PC Caucus is shameful and shows how petty, partisan and insecure the current government is when it comes to opposition.”
“It is ironic that today Albertans have learned that many cabinet ministers are purchasing sport sedans and high-end luxury vehicles and passing the bill to taxpayers, yet the PC Caucus has denied funding to let us do our legislative work on behalf of taxpayers,” concluded Hinman.
The Wildrose Alliance was formed in January 2008 and has three elected Members of the Legislature. The Wildrose advances competent, principled and conservative policies that will lower government spending, increase economic opportunities, empower communities and strengthen individual liberties and freedoms.