The first full day of the spring session at the Alberta Legislature saw Premier Alison Redford and her government defending a recent government trip to the mountains.
During Question Period Wednesday, opposition MLAs got their first chance to question the government over the $70,000 price tag of the Conservative Party retreat in Jasper at the beginning of February.
The Tories also found themselves explaining the purpose of the recent Alberta wide minister's tour that cost taxpayers $100,000.
Liberal leader Raj Sherman said he felt the cost of the Jasper trip should not have been paid for by taxpayers.
"A retreat in Jasper can be considered anything other than a taxpayer political activity," Sherman said.
The premier responded by saying the government did not break any rules pertaining to caucus retreats.
"We know we followed the rules with how we spent that money, and I presume all the members on the other side do exactly the same thing," Premier Redford said. "There is certainly no doubt that everyone in Alberta knew that we were having a caucus and we got some great results."
"How can the Treasury Board President rationalize spending $170,000 in the last month?" Wildrose MLA Heather Forsyth said. "How can you say that is a priority?"
Minister of Municipal affairs Doug Griffiths defended actions of the government, he said Albertans have told them one of their priorities is for government representatives to listen to concerns in communities, and part of that means visiting places around the province.
