Article content
The prospect of Alberta’s UCP government upping the limits on gifts for elected officials raised eyebrows even before it became reality.
A bill passed in early December allowed cabinet to change the value of what politicians could receive — without debate in the assembly — drawing concern that politicians were aiming to line their own pockets.
Article content
Then, cabinet orders published Dec. 22, three days before Christmas, outlined the new rules. MLAs could previously accept non-monetary gifts valued at $200, while tickets to events were capped at $400. Now, both are limited to $500, but could go above $1,000 if reported to the ethics commissioner.
Article content
Members will need to disclose gifts and benefits once their value hits $250. Staff in the premier’s or minister’s offices can accept fees, gifts or benefits above $500 related to their work — if they are approved by the premier’s chief of staff, Marshall Smith.
‘I don’t think it’s bad policy, but it’s bad politics’
Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt told Postmedia this week things are getting more expensive, and changing the rules via an order-in-council is more appropriate than changing legislation.
“It’s about the perception,” said Bratt, adding the new limits aren’t liable to cause a sea change in influence-peddling, particularly because it still involves small dollar figures.
“I don’t think it’s bad policy, but it is bad politics, because a majority of people do believe politicians are overpaid and are in it to be bribed — and I just don’t see that as the case,” he said, adding that’s what makes MLA pay, compensation and benefits easy targets for any opposition party, including Danielle Smith while she was leader of the Wildrose.
Related Stories
-
Alberta amends Conflicts of Interest Act, changes rules for ethics commissioner, gift limits
-
‘There’s lots that can be done’: ER doctor one of four Albertans appointed to Order of Canada
Article content
As premier, Smith has argued that the limits impeded politicians from doing their job, and attending events like hockey games to meet with stakeholders.
Ahead of the orders, in the legislature Nov. 22, Smith emphasized that there will still be checks and balances to govern gifts, but they needed tweaking.
“Rising inflation is causing the increase in the cost of all of the ticket prices for every event that we’re invited to, and as a result we’re having to make sure that we’re keeping that at an appropriate level so that everyone is able to do their work.”
On Dec. 7, Justice Minister Mickey Amery said the government is looking to do more through cabinet orders-in-council, instead of through legislation to make things more efficient.
“We’ve heard from stakeholders all across the province that the amounts have not been addressed for a very long time,” he said.
NDP justice critic Irfan Sabir has repeatedly criticized Smith’s government for offering itself a “gravy train” of benefits while many Albertans struggle with the rising cost of living. In a news release last week, Sabir said Smith needs to explain why increasing the value gifts she can receive is more important than helping Albertans through the holidays during an affordability crisis.
“The UCP has chosen to address inflation by ensuring they can receive more expensive gifts and attend more extravagant parties. Albertans, however, are left to fend for themselves,” Sabir said.
X: @reportrix
Share this article in your social network