Premier Dave Hancock says he will direct the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General to refer the findings of the Auditor General’s report into Alison Redford’s travel expenses and use of government aircraft to the RCMP.
The Auditor General’s report will be released on Thursday. Immediately following the release, the matter will be referred to the RCMP for review and investigation.
“While this is a difficult decision for me, I am extremely disappointed to learn of Ms. Redford’s actions while Premier," said Hancock. "I had great respect for her and great hope for the promise she showed early in her tenure.”
“In my view, given the information that has come to light, Ms. Redford has done the right thing and taken responsibility for her actions. I commend her for taking this step.”
Political pundits believe Alison Redford’s decision to step down from her position as the MLA for Calgary-Elbow may be tied to the release of the Auditor General's report into allegations against the former premier.
Duane Bratt, a political scientist with Mount Royal University, says the timing of Redford’s announcement is curious.
“I think the very fact she resigned this morning shows how significant the Auditor General’s report is,” said Bratt in an interview with CTV. “I expect it’s going to be very damning towards her."
Bratt says he was surprised Redford remained an MLA following her resignation from the position of premier.
An advanced copy of the Auditor General’s report into Redford’s expenses included allegations the former premier’s staff arranged for Redford to travel alone by booking false passengers on flight and cancelling the false reservations at the last minute.
