Health Minister defends $1,400 ride taken by AHS administrator
Posted Mar 3, 2023 1:36 pm.
Alberta’s Health Minister is defending a pricy ride for Alberta Health Services’ top boss.
Dr. John Cowell expensed a private driver from Calgary to Edmonton and back, for December’s throne speech.
The price tag for the trip, $1,400.
Critics have pointed out that it would have been cheaper to take a bus or to fly.
However, Jason Copping says despite the optics, it was money well spent.
“The choice was made … to hire a car so we can actually do work in the car. Take calls using confidential documents, do a bunch of meetings in Edmonton, including with me,” Copping told reporters.
“When you take a look at the cost of you know, either flying and staying in a hotel and cabs, etc., that kind of stuff, it’s actually is comparable and this allows him to get more work done.”
So far, the private driver is the only expense filed by Cowell, although AHS has not released reports yet for 2023.
