United Conservative Party MLA Derek Fildebrandt says there is nothing wrong with subletting his downtown Edmonton apartment, while claiming thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded housing subsidies.
Fildebrandt, MLA for Strathmore-Brooks and finance critic for the now-defunct Wildrose Party, has been advertising his Jasper Avenue condo on Airbnb, describing the suite as “modernly furnished and very well-kept.”
“With a sweeping view of the city and is in the thick of the action on Jasper Avenue,” reads the ad.
“For business or pleasure, this apartment will serve you perfectly.”
Derek Fildebrandt was renting out his downtown Edmonton apartment while claiming thousands of dollars in taxpayer-funded housing allowance. (Airbnb)
Fildebrandt was charging between $50 and $83 nightly for the one-bedroom suite.
It appears to have been rented out several times between January and March, with eight guest reviews being posted for the apartment. The listing has since been deactivated.
During the same timeframe, Fildebrandt claimed $7,720 in accommodation allowance in Edmonton expenses.
Fildebrandt, 31, was elected as a Wildrose MLA in the 2015 provincial election. He was the Alberta director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation before starting his political career.
Fildebrandt has not responded to CBC News’ requests for comment but responded via his Twitter account on Thursday morning, saying he will donate the money to pay off Alberta debt.
“$2,555 over 8 months letting out my Edmonton home while unused,” Fildebrandt wrote in a tweet on Thursday morning. “I won’t let smear distract from real issues.”
$2,555 over 8 months letting out my Edmonton home while unused. I won’t let smear distract from real issues & donate to the AB debt. #ableg
MLAs from ridings outside the Edmonton capital region are allotted a maximum housing budget of $23,160 for each a fiscal year to own or lease a property in Edmonton.
According to the rules of the Legislative Assembly Office, the allowance can be used on expenses like rent and utilities but the money is only meant to cover the actual costs incurred by members.
Fildebrandt downplayed any controversy about his apartment, telling the Edmonton Journal that it’s the 21st century and it’s reasonable for people who are gone half the year to sublet their apartment.
Finance Minister Joe Ceci’s criticized Fildebrandt’s use of a “tax-funded apartment for personal profit” on Twitter Wednesday night.
Yes, Derek, it’s the 21st century and reasonable people don’t Airbnb their tax funded apartment for personal profit #ableg #abpoli https://t.co/HTpbFhWm9L
UCP Caucus Deputy Leader Mike Ellis told CBC News the matter is under review.
“We are reviewing this matter carefully,” Ellis said in a statement on Thursday.
“While it has been explained to be an approved LAO activity, we take fiscal responsibility seriously.”