Former Alberta Premier Alison Redford will not face charges in connection to allegations of misuse of government funds and RCMP say the file is now closed.
RCMP launched an investigation into spending by Redford after the government forwarded a report by the auditor general that was highly critical of her and her office.
Last summer, the auditor said in his report that he found examples of inappropriate spending on government planes and travels and concluded that Redford and her office used public resources for personal and partisan purposes.
The auditor general highlighted some of the issues in his report, including a practice of "block booking" government aircraft to give the appearance that planes were full "so that other passengers could not ride on the same flight" with Redford and her staff.
He said Redford and her former chief of staff denied any knowledge of the practice, but that it was clear the idea came from her office.
The auditor said she also used government planes to go to Progressive Conservative Party of Alberta functions, sometimes scheduling government-related activities for the same times.
On Friday, the RCMP announced it would not pursue charges and that Redford has been informed of the decision.
“In the interest of thoroughness, the RCMP interviewed a wide range of individuals who provided us with information related to the Auditor General’s Report,” said RCMP Assistant Commissioner Marlin Degrand, Criminal Operations Officer for the RCMP in Alberta. “We thank them for their cooperation, and the file is now concluded.”
The Justice Minister was unavailable for comment on Friday but Press Secretary, Jessica Jacobs-Mino, released a statement saying, "The legal opinion we received recommended we refer this matter to the RCMP. We did that. We are pleased to see it is now concluded."
"I am grateful this is now over. I was never concerned about the outcome as I had the benefit of knowing that my and my office's actions were above board. I am thankful for all of the support and friendship shown to me over the last year and of course for my family's support. I also want to thank the RCMP for their six months of time and very thorough work that leaves no lingering questions. Now that this is over, I am looking forward to again making a contribution to the province and country I love," said Redford in a statement to CTV News on Friday.
Redford resigned last March and in a letter acknowledged mistakes were made during her time in office.
(With files from The Canadian Press)
