(WATCH: Global News has learned the provincial government’s final day for operating its aircraft is Dec. 5. But a security expert tells Tom Vernon flying commercial means less security.)
EDMONTON — The former head of security for the provincial government questions Jim Prentice’s safety when he travels by air, and advises the premier reconsider the decision to sell the government fleet.
There’s no way to absolutely ensure his safety on a commercial flight, says Neil LeMay, who held the Alberta government’s top security job from 2008 to 2013.
“It’s pretty much not possible, unless you’re screening everybody that’s going onto that particular aircraft.”
In his first decision as premier, Prentice grounded the planes on Sept. 16, in the wake of a scathing report from the auditor general about chronic misuse of the fleet. Cabinet ministers must now fly on commercial airlines, or, if that’s too costly, charter a flight. Since then, the premier has chartered planes three times, and flown commercially twice.
READ MORE: Alberta government selling controversial planes, says Premier Prentice
But LeMay, who spent 27 years with the RCMP and now acts as a security advisor with a private firm, says the government should take a second look at its air-travel options.
“From a security perspective, particularly in the environment we’re in right now in Canada, I would suggest they may want to proceed cautiously.
“It’s always easier when you have a protectee like a premier or a significant minister of the government to have them travel in a secure environment that you control 100 percent, and I think that having your own aircraft gives you an ability to do that.”
READ MORE: Alberta PC government has faced years of criticism for its aircraft fleet
The premier’s office would not discuss his security.
“The premier follows the instructions of the sheriffs, including with respect to his commercial travel arrangements,” spokesperson Emily Woods said in a statement. “He will continue to fly commercial flights, just as many other premiers do regularly.”
Government airplanes are still used to fly bureaucrats between Edmonton and Calgary for meetings, but that will soon stop. Global News has learned the fleet will be grounded for good on Dec. 5, as the government looks to secure buyers for the four planes.
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