Calgary council urges province to investigate councillor’s budget leak breach

In a 12-2 vote, Calgary city council authorized Mayor Jeromy Farkas to send a letter to Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner, reporting that Ward 14 Councillor Landon Johnston disclosed preliminary 2027-30 budget figures to one outlet. The leak, which suggested steep property-tax increases, violated Section 153 of the Municipal Government Act, which requires council members to keep in-camera discussions confidential.

City solicitor Jill Floen warned that such breaches could trigger a ministerial inspection, a possible recall vote, or even a criminal investigation, but the council lacks a municipal code of conduct to impose its own penalties. The province repealed individual codes last year and has yet to introduce a new framework, leaving accountability to the minister’s discretion. Councillors Mike Jamieson and Kim Tyers opposed the motion, arguing that other leaks this term should be treated equally. Johnston defended his actions as a push for transparency and called for a review of closed-session practices.