Fildebrandt resigns from UCP

By Miriam Ostermann Times Associate Editor

It’s been a trying week for Strathmore-Brooks MLA Derek Fildebrandt, who after facing scrutiny over subletting his taxpayer-subsidized Edmonton condo, double-dipping meal expenses, and allegedly being responsible for a hit-and-run incident, resigned from the United Conservative Party (UCP) on Tuesday.
Fildebrandt found himself in hot water earlier this month when news spread he had listed his taxpayer-funded condo on Airbnb and earned $2,555 over eight months by renting out his living quarters when the legislature was not in session.
Along with 29 other eligible members, the Strathmore-Brooks representative also claimed the maximum amount in living allowances for the 2016-2017 fiscal year – or $23,160.
While his actions have been deemed as double dipping and hypocritical, Fildebrandt defended his behaviour, stating no rules were broken, he was vocal about the situation in the legislature and his decision was transparent.
Shortly after issuing an apology and donating the funds to the government to combat financial debt, Fildebrandt was once again the topic of discussion when Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark released records that showed the former UCP finance co-critic claimed food expenses while also claiming the per diem – an allowance per day – nine times for a total of $192.60 over a two-and-a-half year period.
In response, Fildebrandt chalked it up to administrative errors but took full responsibility for the mistakes with intentions of reimbursing any variances.
Furthermore, news broke of an ongoing court case resulting from a hit-and-run supposedly with his involvement in June 2016. Then, just after 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Fildebrandt took to Facebook to publicly announce his submission of his resignation to United Conservative Party Interim Leader Nathan Cooper, stating with media attention shedding light on private issues over public issues, taking responsibility would no longer suffice and therefore submitted his resignation.
“This young party cannot afford to be distracted from the formative period that is in right now as we come together as conservatives,” he stated on his Facebook page.
“Right now, media controversy is distracting from the work that must be done as the UCP is founded. The UCP Leadership race should be focused on issues of leadership and values and not on personalities. My family and my constituents are the most important thing to me, and I want to do them proud. I’m a flawed man, and I can do better. If I have let anyone down, know that I have let myself down, and I will prove that I am the man that I hold as the standard for trust and integrity.”
The Airbnb controversy made headlines shortly after Fildebrandt announced he would not be seeking the leadership of the United Conservative Party and claimed Brian Jean – the former Wildrose leader – was wrong for the job.
Fildebrandt left the country for a previously scheduled family vacation and took a leave of absence as the UCP co-critic finance role before he declared his resignation.
Provincial politicians whose primary residence is located outside of Edmonton can either claim a taxpayer-funded accommodation allowance of up to a maximum amount of $23,160 per fiscal year to own or lease a property, or receive $193 per night for a hotel while in the capital city on business. Out of 63 eligible candidates, 17 NDP members, 12 UCP and one PC member claimed the maximum amount – including UCP leadership candidate Brian Jean.
While UCP Leadership Candidate Jason Kenney agreed with Derek’s decision to donate the revenue gained from renting out his condo to the government, and stated to the best of his knowledge Fildebrandt had checked with the Legislative Assembly to ensure he was in compliance with the rules, others pounced.
Among them, NDP Finance Minister Joe Ceci took to social media to voice his opinion after having previously been criticized by the Strathmore-Brooks representative over growing accumulated debt and the province’s budget deficits. On Twitter Ceci directed his tweet at Derek declaring “reasonable people don’t Airbnb their tax-funded apartment for personal profit”, while Brian Jean released a statement to the Strathmore Times expressing his disappointment.
Cooper accepted Fildebrandt’s resignation on Aug. 15.
“I’d like to thank Derek for his commitment to the creation of the United Conservative Party and to the people of Strathmore-Brooks,” Cooper said in a press release. “If Derek can live up to the expectations he has outlined in his statement to the satisfaction of the UCP caucus and to Albertans, there would be consideration for a future path for him back to the UCP caucus.”
Fildebrandt will continue to represent the Strathmore-Brooks constituency in the legislature as an independent.
He encouraged anyone who wishes to speak to him on the matter to contact him via the Strathmore constituency office at 403-934-4400, or to e-mail him at Strathmore.brooks@assembly.ab.ca to arrange an in-person meeting or phone conversation.