Redford London Olympics Cost: Alberta Government Lost $113,000 In Unused Hotel Costs

The Redford government lost $113,000 at the London Olympics in unused hotel expenses, the Edmonton Journal reported. The total travel cost for the trip was $518,280 which included the expenses of sending 29 people to London, the report adds.

The rooms at the five-star Le Meridien Hotel in London cost an average of $850 CDN and were paid in advance, CBC reported.

The information comes on the same day that Alberta Premier Alison Redford submitted her travel, meal and hosting expenses dating back to 2008 when she was first elected, as part of a transparent expense disclosure policy.

“Albertans expect accountability on how their tax dollars are used,” said Premier Redford in a statement. “Albertans must have confidence that the business of government is conducted with openness and transparency. This is my commitment to the people of Alberta," she added.

Alberta Tourism and Parks Minister Christine Cusanelli told the CBC that the cost of the hotels was not a cancellation fee but rather plans that were made well in advance.

"As you know, we have to book well in advance for something, an event like the Olympics. So the $113,000 is actually in the room costs that we were not able to recoup," she added.

Original Article
Source: huffington post
Author: The Huffington Post Canada