Alberta Finance Minister Doug Horner.Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press
Alberta's Finance Minister says the government turned down Daryl Katz's requests for a casino licence and direct funding for a new arena, despite the Edmonton Oilers owner's sizable campaign donation to the Tories.
Doug Horner made the comments during Question Period as opposition politicians renewed their attacks over the $300,000 contributed by Mr. Katz, his family, and associates to the Tories in the last election.
Mr. Horner says campaign donations do not affect how the government makes policy, no matter the size.
He also accused the Opposition Wildrose Party of being hypocrites for criticizing the Tories while also accepting large, single-source donations.
Opposition parties have suggested that Mr. Katz now has undue influence with the government because of the donation.
Mr. Horner challenged them to make the same comments away from the legal protection provided by the legislature chamber.