Alberta NDP MLAs are gathered in Banff this week for a two-day caucus to prepare for the fall sitting of the Alberta legislature.
Premier Rachel Notley and her 52 MLAs are meeting at the Banff Centre Tuesday and Wednesday to discuss the upcoming budget, the economy and jobs, said spokeswoman Cheryl Oates.
“This is an opportunity for all the MLAs to get together and have some meaningful discussions about what the plan will be heading into the fall,” said Oates.
She said the meeting is being held in the mountain resort town in accordance with the government’s commitment to hold caucus meetings around the province.
The gathering is being held at the Banff Centre at a cost of $8,800 for meetings and meals, but MLAs will be paying the additional costs of accommodation out of their allowances, she said.
The NDP has been critical in the past about the former Progressive Conservative government’s penchant for holding caucus meetings at posh mountain resorts. The Alison Redford government held a two-day retreat at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in February 2012 that cost an estimated $70,000.
“This is a little bit different for a couple of reasons,” said Oates. “First of all we’re staying at the Banff Centre because it is a cheaper option.”
Oates said the cost of the retreat is being paid for by funds allocated annually to each party’s caucus to cover the cost of meetings, research and other caucus expenses so the meeting in Banff won’t cost taxpayers any additional money.
