Alberta Environment Minister Crashes NDP News Conference On Alleged Sweetheart L

So my (admittedly very biased and partisan) opinion is that the NDP, and the auditor general, should certainly be looking into this to make sure it isn't what it appears: a sweetheart land deal. That's their job, especially when they're being asked to investigate by people in the area. If anything, Boutilier's outburst just seems to show they've hit a nerve. His threat of a lawsuit also seems premature and looks like a scare tactic--if he didn't do anything wrong, shouldn't he wait for the auditor general's investigation/conclusions on the allegations and actually get cleared before suing the NDP opposition for harming his reputation?

CBC Calgary: Minister denies role in land deal
Edmonton Sun: Fighting words!
Fort McMurray Today: Confrontation between Boutilier, NDP MLA over disputed land sale
Canoe: Alta. cabinet minister crashes news conference
Edmonton Journal: Cabinet minister crashes news conference

For Immediate Release
June 14, 2005

Another questionable land deal in Ft. McMurray

NDP Opposition points to same friends of Boutilier involved in 2000 giveaway

Edmonton – NDP Opposition housing critic Ray Martin released information pointing to another questionable land deal in Ft. McMurray today – a sale in 2000 involving some of the same players as the 2004 deal.

According to June 22, 1999 Alberta Social Housing Corporation minutes – which the NDP Opposition was shown, but has had to file a FOIP request for a copy of – a 158 acre parcel near the Timberlea land was appraised at $4.745 million ($30,000/acre).

It appears the ASHC rejected several higher bids before selling the land to 771042 Alberta Ltd, a company called Confederation Heights, Inc.

In early 2000, the ASHC accepted a bid from Confederation Heights for $1.897 million ($12,000/acre), or less than half the appraised value.

“Confederation Heights has some of the same players as the Timberlea Consortium. What they all have in common is a close relationship with Guy Boutilier, the MLA for Wood Buffalo,” says Martin.

“Guy Boutilier has received over $14,000 in campaign donations from people involved in the Timberlea Consortium and Confederation Heights since he’s been an MLA,” continues Martin.

“Cronyism is alive and well in Conservative ranks. This is the way politics is done in a one-party state,” says Martin.

“After 30 years of Tory rule, the Alberta Advantage is for friends, insiders and cronies,” concludes Martin.

Note: Minister denies role in... Fighting words! Confrontation between B... Alta. cabinet minister ... Cabinet minister crashe...