It seems it was only a matter of time before the other shoe dropped.
The exposure of another case of governmental self-largesse coming out late last week — this time the proposed “premier’s suite” on the top floor of the Federal Building in downtown Edmonton — simply defies belief.
Coming on the heels of Alison Redford’s abdication from the premier’s position, the penthouse suite issue raises questions about what other examples of lavish (mis)spending have yet to be disclosed.
Now, admittedly, there are questions about how far along the process got before it was either ended or discovered.
We have heard from infrastructure minister Ric McIver that he kiboshed the plans in mid-January when he took over the ministry.
But there are also claims former infrastructure minister Wayne Drysdale believed the project to be dead as of mid-November 2012.
So which of these men, if either of them, is telling the truth?
And in Drysdale’s case, how much did he really know and how much was he kept in the dark? As infrastructure minister, it would stand to reason he would have to be kept in the loop when it comes to construction projects on government buildings.
Another aspect of the penthouse suite that has a decidedly unappealing odour to it is the allegations the province would have gone over the City of Edmonton’s head if a development permit and subsequent public hearing on the penthouse had been required.
While the claim put forth for not holding a public hearing is “security reasons,” it seems strange the province would want to hide something that is costing taxpayers money.
Yes, it makes sense the province, as the senior government in the discussion, may have the right to do through different channels. But having the right to do something is not the same as it being the right thing to do.
In the end, this “premier’s suite” must be used as the impetus for changes in how our tax dollars are spent.
But more importantly, it must lead to changes in what politicians think is appropriate. And that’s a much bigger challenge.
