WhatFinger

Wedding-related expense at Red River College not appropriate, Minister Allum needs to disclose amount, shake up board

How Much Did Red River College Pay For A Pre-Wedding Reception?


By Canadian Taxpayers Federation ——--November 26, 2013

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WINNIPEG, MB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on provincial post-secondary Minister James Allum today to investigate a pre-wedding expense that was expensed by officials at Red River College.
Earlier this year, the CTF received a tip that a wedding expense was claimed by college officials. Unable to obtain details through an FOI, the CTF questioned the College directly. The College confirmed the expense was incurred in order to help “forge strategic relationships” with another government funded post secondary institution. “If Premier Greg Selinger expensed bills for Sam Katz’s pre-wedding reception and said it was to help build relationships with the city the public would be outraged,” said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. “This is no different. The elite at two government funded institutions should be able to meet in a boardroom like anyone else.” The College told the CTF:

“Early in the President’s tenure, the Board requested that she forge strategic relationships with post-secondary institutions in an effort to enhance cooperation and collaboration. Ms. Forsyth did, indeed, host a small reception at her home the evening prior to a wedding, as the occasion presented an opportunity to bring together numerous wedding guests who were the same people with whom she was directed to build relationships. The opportunity to use her home to host many of these guests was seen to be a low-cost option to begin to build strong ties with other post-secondary institutions, as the board had directed. To support the event, tables, chairs, table cloths, dishes and cutlery were to be provided by the College cafeteria. The President indicated from the outset that she would personally purchase and pay for food and beverages and cook all foods necessary – which she did. Shortly before the event, however, the President was informed that the use of tables and chairs from the College was not possible due to a conflicting College-related event. Therefore, a college staff member ordered tables, chairs etc. through a rental company. Given that it was an event that, in large part, supported the business of the college, they were paid for by the College. In the aftermath of this reception there have been several “joint administration” meetings with this post-secondary institution which are dedicated to developing new ways to work together to benefit students and the province. The Board’s subsequent audit review confirmed that this, indeed, was a reasonable expense.” “Once the expense has been disclosed, perhaps the College could hold a social to pay for it,” added Craig. “If a wedding-related expense is allowed one has to wonder what the College would say no to? One also can’t ignore the fact the President’s contract shows she receives a pay top-up to cover such expenses.”
Back in March the CTF exposed how the College approved the president’s golf shoes and a driver’s license. The CTF requested a review of all of the president’s expenses; a board review later claimed no additional problems were found.

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