Alberta MLA expense claims draw scrutiny over high-end meals and minor purchases

A review of Alberta legislators' expense disclosures for the last fiscal year shows elected officials across party lines claimed expenses ranging from high-end restaurant meals to small everyday purchases, prompting questions from political observers about public perception and accountability.

Under Alberta's legislative rules, members of the legislative assembly receive budgets to operate constituency offices, cover travel costs and host constituents and stakeholders. MLAs are also required to publicly disclose expense reports with itemized receipts.

Among the larger expenses, Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams claimed more than $500 for two dinners that included $63 bison steaks, a lamb shank and wagyu ravioli. Progressive Conservative Leader Peter Guthrie expensed a $430 dinner for six people, while an NDP critic submitted a receipt for a steak lunch with a staff member.

Some claims involved much smaller purchases. Former finance minister Nate Horner expensed a can of Pepsi, while Utilities Minister R.J. Sigurdson submitted a receipt for a $4 package of gum.

Ian Stedman, a government ethics professor in Ontario, said receipts for minor purchases appear to create unnecessary administrative work. Nova Scotia-based political scientist Lori Turnbull said expenses such as gum could be viewed by the public as an example of entitlement, even if the purchases comply with legislative rules.