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Out of town Alberta MLAs will soon be required to claim their actual living expenses in Edmonton and not the flat monthly rate of $1,930.

The all-party members services legislative committee voted unanimously Tuesday to accept Alberta Party Leader Greg Clark’s proposal to only reimburse MLAs their exact living expenses up to the cap of $1,930.

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“Not only are we going to save some taxpayer dollars … but in addition to the money that it saves, it sends a very important message that MLAs are willing to show leadership, willing to find ways of doing more with less,” Clark said after the meeting.

The housing allowance is in place for MLAs whose ridings are at least 60 kilometres away from Edmonton. Currently, MLAs can claim the full allowance regardless of their actual living costs in the city.

The changes take effect April 1.

Under the new system, MLAs will be asked to retain their receipts, but won’t be required to submit them because Legislative Assembly staff determined that could create annual administrative costs of up to $75,000 annually.

Instead, five to 10 per cent of MLAs who use the allowance could be subject to audits.

Clark said he’s pleased an issue he first raised last June has finally come to a conclusion.

“I think it sets an example to all Alberta public servants that we expect everyone, everywhere in this very difficult time to do what you can to do more with less. That tone has to be set at the top,” he said.

mibrahim@postmedia.com

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