Calgary-Signal Hill Conservative MP Ron Liepert travelled twice to Palm Desert, Calif., since March, his office confirmed Saturday, so he could deal with "essential house maintenance issues." Liepert, who was Alberta's health and wellness minister under Premier Ed Stelmach, owns a home in the city, which is located in the Coachella Valley. A spokesperson in Liepert's office said Liepert has travelled twice since March, including during the current parliamentary recess. Latest politician who travelled despite directionLiepert is the second MP revealed to have travelled amid calls by officials for Canadians to stay home during the pandemic. During his time as Alberta's health minister, Liepert faced criticism over his handling of the 2009 swine flu pandemic, with critics intimating that he mishandled the province's immunization program.

Source: CBC News January 02, 2021 20:17 UTC