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Tories trigger debate on $800K for infrastructure minister’s office renos

Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi leaves an event in Ottawa, Tuesday April 5, 2016.
Infrastructure and Communities Minister Amarjeet Sohi leaves an event in Ottawa, Tuesday April 5, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

OTTAWA – The Conservatives are hoping to embarrass the Liberal government Tuesday night by forcing them to spend hours debating pricey office renovations.

The official Opposition had a field day last month when they discovered the government had spent more than $800,000 renovating the offices of Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi.

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Tuesday night, the Conservatives plan to use parliamentary procedure to officially oppose that line item in the government’s estimates, triggering an hours-long debate that will require Liberal MPs to stand up and defend it.

READ MORE: Minister accepted $46K severance package from Edmonton City Hall 

Sohi has said the expense was necessary because he had to set up an entirely new department, including space for political staff, a deputy minister and public servants.

Under the previous government, the infrastructure portfolio was part of the transport ministry.

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Sohi’s spokeswoman Kate Monfette said the minister will be in the House of Commons Tuesday night to defend the spending.

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