EDMONTON – Alberta’s NDP government has done an about-face over allegations it was selling access to Premier Rachel Notley and her cabinet.
Health Minister Sarah Hoffman apologized in the legislature for invitations to an upcoming NDP party fundraiser in Calgary.
She says there was an error in the wording of the invitation sent out by the party for a Nov. 26 event at Stampede Park.
In return for a $250 donation, it promised a chance to talk about issues with Premier Rachel Notley, cabinet, and MLAs.
Just seconds before Hoffman apolgized, house leader Brian Mason was defending the event under questioning from the Wildrose.
Wildrose critic Jason Nixon says it was a clear case of influence peddling, but Mason says it was no such thing.
Before session began, the premier was asked about the fundraiser.
“I think the fundraiser is simply a fundraiser,” said Notley. She said the previous PC government and other opposition parties charged between $500 and $1,000.
“I think that we will continue as members of a political party to raise funds for our political party.”
The Acting Provincial Secretary of the Alberta NDP, Chris O’Halloran, issued the following statement late Thursday afternoon:
“In promoting an upcoming fundraiser, we used regrettable language, referencing the Executive Council roles of several Alberta NDP MLAs.
The event is a fundraiser that will be attended by the Alberta NDP Leader and a number of NDP MLAs, along with supporters.
I take full responsibility for this error, and all reference to Executive Council roles have been removed from promoting this event.”
With files from Global News
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