EDMONTON – A controversy over a politician using his taxpayer-funded housing allowance to make money has taken a new turn with Derek Fildebrandt taking a leave of absence as finance critic for the new United Conservative Party.
Fildebrandt and the party both issued news releases Thursday night.
In his, Fildebrandt said he believed that renting out his Edmonton home while he was away was “above board.”
But he said he recognizes the perception “that this is not good enough” and after speaking with his constituents, issued the apology.
He said he has paid the $2,555 he made during the eights months of rental “to the taxpayer.”
UCP interim leader Nathan Cooper issued a three-paragraph news release noting the new development and saying the party “believes in fiscal accountability and protecting taxpayers.”
