Advocate reappointed, embargo error and bright lights

The Alberta Liberals had their wrists slapped Monday after violating an embargo about political finance legislation.

As reporters sat in a morning technical briefing about the NDP bill, the Liberals issued a news release slamming the legislation. Problem was, information about the legislation was to be kept strictly under wraps until it was tabled in the legislature later in the day.

Thirty-one minutes later, the party sent out a retraction, saying its release was intended for internal use and was sent to media in error. Oops.

ADVOCATE REAPPOINTED

Alberta’s child and youth advocate Del Graff will continue in his role after the legislative offices committee reappointed him until March 31, 2020. Meanwhile, the auditor general search committee continues to look for a replacement for outgoing auditor general Merwan Saher. He retires in April.

LEGISLATURE LIGHTS UP TO CELEBRATE SEASON

The legislature grounds will be transformed into its annual winter wonderland Thursday when more than 500 trees are lit up with 180,000 lights.

This year’s centrepiece tree, a white spruce from Edson, stands more than 18 metres tall. The celebrations continue with music, cookies and hot chocolate inside the legislature. The skating rink on the south grounds opens the same day, operating from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

The 30-year tradition of inviting musical ensembles from all over the province to perform festive music in the rotunda continues from Dec. 7 to 23. The full schedule is online at assembly.ab.ca.