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Politics

Smith defends using taxpayer dollars on travelling to U.S. to appear alongside controversial podcaster

"This will be an incredibly important conversation to be had and shared widely with Americans," Smith's office said in a statement.

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Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s office is defending her plans to use public money to travel to the U.S. and appear alongside a controversial conservative podcaster at an event in Florida later this month in a statement that comes days after appearing on another American alt-right radio show.

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The event's website lists the location only as "South Florida" with tickets starting at US$1,500 for the March 27 gala.

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Postmedia followed up with the premier’s office Monday, asking about how many staff would travel with the premier to Florida and if public money would cover that travel and subsequent expenses.

Smith’s office didn’t answer questions about how many staff would accompany her on the trip, saying the itinerary was still to be finalized, but did confirm that costs would be paid by taxpayers.

“Given this travel will be part of the premier’s advocacy in the U.S., the costs for the premier’s travel and accommodations will be covered by Alberta’s government.”