EDMONTON — The Wildrose Alliance is being shortchanged by government, argue party members who are seeking a boost to their bottom line.
In a letter sent to members of a legislative committee Wednesday, MLA Paul Hinman asks the party’s funding be increased to the same level received by the two-member New Democrats.
There are three Wildrose members in the legislature.
That would put another $233,000 in the pockets of the right-of-centre party, which now has a caucus budget of only $190,000.
MLA Rob Anderson says it’s important to an opposition party because their resources are limited compared to the government’s.
He says the money is needed for researchers and communications staff “and just frankly, paper, so that we can get our message out.”
The $233,000 would be equal to what’s referred to as a leader’s allowance.
Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith — who took the position after the last election — does not have a seat in the assembly.
“This would be completely unprecedented in our legislative assembly’s history if this funding is denied at this point,” Anderson said.