WATCH ABOVE: Former premier Alison Redford has announced she is resigning from her position as MLA for Calgary-Elbow. As Tom Vernon reports, Premier Dave Hancock is now calling on the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General to refer this matter to the RCMP.
EDMONTON – A day after former premier Alison Redford resigned her seat in the Alberta legislature, the province’s auditor general is to publicly release his much-anticipated report into government travel.
Albertans awoke Wednesday morning to discover Redford had quit as MLA for Calgary-Elbow.
In an opinion article published in the Edmonton Journal and Calgary Herald newspapers, Redford said she is stepping down immediately to start the next chapter of her life, which she said will entail “teaching and resuming work in international development and public policy.”
READ MORE: Timeline: A look at recent troubles that prompted Alberta Premier Alison Redford to resign
“I recognize that mistakes were made along the way. In hindsight, there were many things I would have done differently. That said, I accept responsibility for all the decisions I have made,” stated Redford.
In a statement on Wednesday, Premier Dave Hancock responded to Alison Redford’s resignation. He also commented on the Auditor General report on Redford’s travel expenses and use of government aircraft, which will be released tomorrow.
“Based on what I have read in the report, and after seeking legal advice, as soon as the report is publicly available tomorrow I will be directing the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General to refer this matter to the RCMP for their review and any investigations that they consider appropriate.” said Hancock.
According to sources, Minister of Justice Jonathan Denis last week asked that all relevant documents be forwarded to the RCMP.
WATCH BELOW: Former RCMP superintendent weighs in on Redford’s resignation
“While this is a difficult decision for me, I am extremely disappointed to learn of Ms. Redford’s actions while Premier,” added Hancock.
“I had great respect for her and great hope for the promise she showed early in her tenure,” he said.
In Wednesday’s resignation letter, Redford said she’s spent the past few months working in her constituency, but felt this was the right time to move forward.
She goes on to say Alberta is her home, and she will continue to live in the province with her family.
Redford added she will not be accepting the transition allowance offered to outgoing Alberta politicians.
“My decision was made a long time ago, when I said I did not agree with it and that I would not be accepting it,” said Redford.
“I made a commitment, and I will keep it.”
READ MORE: No shortage of reaction across the province to Redford’s resignation
Redford resigned as the premier of Alberta on March 23 amid caucus complaints about her lavish spending.
She continued to sit in the legislature as the representative for Calgary-Elbow until Wednesday.
A CBC report last week said a leaked review from Alberta auditor general Merwan Saher found that passenger lists on government aircraft were altered so Redford could fly alone.
Global News confirmed the practice took place on government flights.
Redford denied any personal wrong-doing.
It’s expected that Saher’s full report will be released to members of the legislature and the public on Thursday.
READ BELOW: Alison Redford’s op-ed announcing her resignation.
With files from the Canadian Press
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