PC staffer repaid $7K for car service while working in Saskatchewan

A staff member with Manitoba Premier-designate Brian Pallister's transition team repaid controversial travel expenses totalling more than $7,000 while he worked as cabinet secretary for the Saskatchewan government.

Rick Mantey booked what Saskatchewan NDP called "luxury" transportation services for two Saskatchewan cabinet ministers while they were travelling in London, United Kingdom in 2013.

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The expense claims came to light after the opposition party filed a freedom of information request. Both ministers Ken Krawetz and June Draude offered to repay the expenses but Mantey insisted he repay the $7,016.77 amount himself because he had personally booked the arrangements.

A spokesperson for Premier-designate Pallister praised Mantey for his "lengthy overall history of public service" and said his knowledge and experience will be a "vital resource as part of the process of transitioning to a new government."

"Mr. Mantey took full responsibility and accountability for the car bookings involved, and insisted on personally repaying the associated cost. We consider the matter as closed," said thePallister spokesperson in an email.

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