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Tories defend taxpayer-funded retreat to Jasper

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.

EDMONTON — 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 on Wednesday, opposition MLAs got their first chance to attack the government over the $70,000 price tag of the retreat for the Conservative caucus in Jasper at the beginning of February.

The Tories also found themselves explaining the purpose of the recent provincewide ministers’ tour that cost taxpayers $100,000.

Liberal Leader Raj Sherman said the cost of the Jasper trip should have been covered by the Conservative party, not the taxpayers.

Premier Allison Redford said the government did not break any rules pertaining to caucus retreats.

Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths said Albertans have told the government they want their concerns listened to in their communities, and part of that means visiting places around the province.