Thu, May 13, 2004
Ex-aide to Mar got deals
By JERRY WARD, LEGISLATURE BUREAU
http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/CalgarySun/News/2004/05/13/457392.html
 
EDMONTON -- A public relations firm owned by a former executive assistant to Health Minister Gary Mar was awarded more than $250,000 in contracts in the two years since the pair parted ways, documents show. Liberal leader Kevin Taft raised the issue yesterday after the government released the 2002-03 public accounts.

In a terse exchange during question period, Taft asked Mar to explain why Kelly Charlebois' company Charlebois Consulting of Calgary was awarded two government contracts worth $262,363.

"Let me say, first of all, that that would include the expenses that were incurred in the conduct of business," Mar said.

"We get very, very good value and excellent advice from Mr. Charlebois."

Taft then wanted to know what reports the company has completed for the Health and Wellness department.

"There are no such reports as such," Mar responded.

Taft carried the issue a step further, asking if the public relations firm won the contracts through a competitive bid process.

"No, Mr. Speaker," said Mar, before sitting down.

Charlebois joined the government ranks in 1993 before venturing out on his own in March 2001.