B.C. Hydro originally paid for cabinet minister Blair Lekstrom's hotel room in Vancouver during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games because the Crown corporation had rooms available, the minister said today.

“They had a block book of rooms that I was able to utilize a room for, making it very clear that we would fund that, so that's how that billing happened,” said Lekstrom, who as energy, mines and petroleum resources minister has responsibility for B.C. Hydro.

Lekstrom said his staff will be able to provide evidence that the arrangement was worked out ahead of time.

The Tyee reported yesterday that B.C. Hydro invoiced the ministry for $1,703.60 to cover five nights at the Fairmont Waterfront to accommodate Lekstrom during the Olympics. The invoice was dated March 4, nine days after the Tyee asked why B.C. Hydro was paying for the minister's stay.

Last week a ministry spokesperson said Lekstrom paid for his room himself.

“I was on ministry business. Can't be any clearer than that,” said Lekstrom. “My preference is to be at home with my family, but when you're on business you have to go do what's needed to do the work of the people of British Columbia and I was proud to do that.”

He said it would be “very rare” for B.C. Hydro to cover his expenses.

Andrew MacLeod is The Tyee’s Legislative Bureau Chief in Victoria. Reach him here.