The president of Red River College hosted a party at her home and initially stuck the school with part of the bill.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation said the expense was inappropriate.
“The college gets its money from taxpayers and students and I don’t think either would really be approving of this type of expenditure,” said Colin Craig of the CTF.
According to information obtained by the CTF, RRC President Stephanie Forsyth hosted a reception at her home the night before a wedding.
The school won’t say how much money was expensed in relation to the party.
Students at the school don’t think any amount should have been covered.
"I don't think that's fair to any student or anyone that goes here because we spend a lot of money for our education and that's what it's supposed to go towards, not something like that. I think it's horrible,” said accounting student Lindsay Stasiuk.
In a statement, the college said the expense was approved because the event provided an opportunity for Forsyth to network with staff from other post-secondary institutions.
Nevertheless, Forsyth later volunteered to repay the money.
This is not the first time she has had to pay back money to the school.
“The board allowed the president to expense golf shoes and a driver’s license,” said Craig. “They overlooked those expenses initially and said they were fine.”
The president’s contract includes a stipend for discretionary expenses.
On top of that amount, Red River College has confirmed Forsyth expensed more than $78,000 in her first 30 months on the job.
