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The Saskatchewan government has followed through on a pledge from earlier this year, and has publicly posted the summer travel expenses of all its cabinet ministers, and their staff.
“I hope we’re getting value for the money,” said Premier Brad Wall. “That’s a constant review that we do to make sure that missions we go on, that trips we go on, are cost effective.”
“We’re glad to see this step forward in terms of what it means for accountability,” said MLA Warren McCall, NDP Opposition House Leader.
“We’re also reminded that the government was forced to take this step, was kind of dragged here kicking and screaming,” said McCall, noting the travel expense controversy in the spring.
The provincial government promised it would begin posting the expenses after it was revealed in the spring a staff member traveling with then-Social Services Minister June Draude claimed $3,600 for a car service in London.
“This is the point of accountability,” said McCall. “Governments have to demonstrate accountability, not just say, “Trust us” to the people.”
The information has always been available through Freedom of Information requests but the information up until now included only ministers.
“The government also needed to report staff and officials that were along for trips,” said Wall.
The Premier doesn’t think the government will start posting those receipts, adding that the province is moving towards a per diem system instead.
Agencies/Canadajournal
