The University of Lethbridge is in no way involved in any activities that would contravene the Province of Alberta's Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act.

Responding to allegations made by the Wildrose Party of Alberta, the University has issued the following statement.

The University of Lethbridge responds to today's allegations by the Wildrose Party as follows:

1. In the fall 2005, the University of Lethbridge was notified of changes to the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act.

2. As soon as the University of Lethbridge was notified of changes to the Act, University Administration, the Board of Governors and the Board Finance and Audit Committee took immediate steps to ensure the University was in compliance with the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act.

3. There is a Board of Governors Policy in place, which reflects the Act's guidelines and prohibits the University from purchasing tickets to political party fundraising functions where the cost per ticket exceeds $25.

4. This policy was implemented upon notification of changes to the Act and was discussed at the first opportunity with the Board of Governors.

5. The University has strictly adhered to this Policy. Individuals who attend functions hosted by any political party are not reimbursed by the University.

6. The October 2007 expense referenced in the Wildrose release complies with the Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act in that it was not a contribution to a political party. It was an event organized by a student group.

7. There have been no expenses that violate the University of Lethbridge Board Policy or the Province of Alberta Election Finances and Contributions Disclosure Act since the policy and Act were implemented six years ago.