Bowman proposes ban on councillors' booze expenses
Winnipeg mayor wants to make alcohol an ineligible expense for members of council
Winnipeg's mayor wants to make sure there are no financial ripples when city councillors choose to tipple.
Brian Bowman brought a motion to Wednesday's executive policy committee meeting that would make alcohol an ineligible expense for members of city council.
"There's no need for taxpayers to pick up the tab for alcohol purchased by elected officials, regardless of whether it's purchased for a reception, as a gift or during a business lunch meeting," Bowman said in a statement before the meeting.
Executive policy committee voted unanimously to approve the motion, which still faces council approval.
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After the vote, Bowman said he has no idea how much money councillors spend on alcohol using taxpayer funds and suggested his move is more about changing the culture at city hall than it is about saving money.
"Is this going to save millions of dollars? No. But I just think on principle, it's not an appropriate use of taxpayers' funds," the mayor said.
Bowman also said his move had nothing to do with any particular councillor.
