Spending allotment on security equipment important to some MLAs, not to others

A report on MLA expenses for the 2024-2025 fiscal year tabled in the legislative assembly Wednesday shows a big gap in how much members of the legislature claimed for security and protective services.

Members can claim up to $4,400 during a four-year session for the installation and ongoing operation of a security system, including cameras and alarms, at their constituency office, home and at a regularly used temporary second residence, such as a cottage.

It also covers personal protective services in relation to the member attending a public event.

Spending on security and protective services varied in 2024-2025, with some members spending the maximum $4,400 amount allowed and some claiming little to nothing.

For example, St. Johns MLA and Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine claimed the maximum $4,400. Point Douglas MLA and Housing, Addictions and Homelessness Minister Minister Bernadette Smith claimed just $227.81.

Both NDP MLAs constituency offices have been targeted recently in vandalism and arson incidents.

Premier Wab Kinew — the member for Fort Rouge — claimed just $53.70.

Progressive Conservative leader and Fort Whyte MLA Obby Khan claimed nothing.

Tuxedo NDP MLA Carla Compton claimed the full $4,400 for security and protective services. Health minister and Union Station MLA Uzoma Asagwara claimed almost the full amount,$4,325.82, as did NDP MLA for Radisson Jelynn Dela Cruz, who claimed $4,256.

Justice minister and Concordia MLA Matt Wiebe claimed the full $4,400, as did the PC MLA for Turtle Mountain, Doyle Piwniuk, and PC MLA for Interlake-Gimli Derek Johnson.

Eight NDP MLAs and six PC MLAs claimed no security and protective services expenses for the year.

The $4,400 allowance was established by an independent commissioner after MLAs expressed concerns about issues of personal security, said PC caucus chair and Steinbach MLA Kelvin Goertzen.

“They can use it in the ways they feel they need to or that best addresses their needs,” the former justice minister and interim premier said Thursday.

“I’m assuming that those who are using the fund more extensively feel that there’s something that they can do to better the safety of not just them but their family, too.”

The NDP caucus said constituency assistants, MLAs, cabinet ministers and the general public all need to be kept safe.

“Security is an important matter, and for safety reasons, we do not disclose details regarding security or protective services,” a spokesperson said in an email.

carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca