Sask. Party Minister says Mercedes is not a luxury brand by European standards
REGINA - Today, Official Opposition Leader Carla Beck and SaskPower Critic Aleana Young called for an apology after Moe’s minister was caught skipping out on a work conference to tour Paris in a taxpayer-funded Mercedes Benz.
“I’m not sure this Premier understands that Saskatchewan families are really struggling just to gas the tank and pay the bills,” said Beck. “Regular people don’t get free tours of Paris in a Mercedes Benz or a million dollars to spend in Dubai. This government is no longer in it for the people of Saskatchewan.”
In 2014, Premier Brad Wall recognized that $3,500 for a minister’s luxury car service in London was inappropriate. Brad Wall also disciplined Rick Mantey, the cabinet secretary who booked the minister’s car service. Premier Scott Moe defended his minister’s actions.
Duncan admitted in a scrum late yesterday that he toured a famous museum despite having an official appointment at the World Nuclear Expo in his schedule. Moe’s minister previously stated in the house, on the record, that he did no sightseeing in Paris.
Duncan also admitted to billing taxpayers $227 for his private Mercedes chauffeur service from the museum in central Paris back to the World Nuclear Expo, about an hour’s drive. When asked why he did not pay his own way, Duncan said the Mercedes chauffeur service was convenient and that Mercedes is not a luxury brand by European standards.
“I wouldn’t have a problem with the minister taking in the sights during actual downtime and on his own dime, but that’s not what happened,” said Young. “Saskatchewan taxpayers work hard for their money and deserve an apology.”
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