Coun. Johnston stands by budget leak despite minister's warning of sanctions under new accountability framework

Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams sent a second letter to Ward 14 Coun. Landon Johnston on October 21, addressing his "admitted disclosure of confidential information" and warning that such breaches could trigger complaints, investigations, and sanctions under an upcoming councillor accountability framework.

Johnston leaked confidential budget documents in early September showing preliminary discussions about Calgary's four-year budget, including potential property tax revenue increases of 15, 12.5, nine, and six per cent across the years, as well as projected spikes in water rates and waste and recycling fees. As HighOnCity reported in September, council voted to seek legal input on the fallout.

Williams wrote that elected officials are "entrusted by Calgary residents to exercise office with integrity" and that "access to sensitive information comes with clear obligation to protect it." He stated: "Disregarding it undermines trust among council members and erodes public confidence in municipal governance."

The minister emphasized that municipal decision-making must happen in public unless legislation allows otherwise. "Those principles do not excuse the unauthorized disclosure of confidential information," he wrote. "Your actions are inconsistent with your duties as an elected councillor and were unacceptable."

Williams acknowledged Johnston committed to upholding confidentiality moving forward and understood the consequences. But when Johnston spoke to LiveWire Calgary by phone, he showed no sign of regret. "I read the letter. I understood the consequences before, and, like I said, I was willing to deal with consequences after," Johnston said. Asked whether he would leak again: "Would I still do it? Yes, 100 per cent."

Johnston told LiveWire he understood the ramifications of the potential new accountability framework. The minister's letter stressed the seriousness: "Conduct of this nature could result in a complaint, investigation, and sanctions under the framework, underscoring the seriousness with which breaches of confidentiality must be treated."