Send this page to someone via email

CALGARY- A European jaunt that will see Mayor Nenshi and Premier Redford discussing the economy has led to concerns about the cost.

The politicians have headed to Davos, Switzerland to take part in the World Economic Forum which gets underway on Tuesday. Nenshi was invited to take part in a panel about natural disasters, and his office says the trip will cost taxpayers about $6,000.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) agrees it’s money well spent—though they aren’t convinced the Premier has the bottom line in mind.

“I think we should be well represented at major economic forums, major international events,” explains Derek Fildebrandt from the CTF. “Frankly, he’s doing it at a much more reasonable cost than the premier.”

The tab for Redford’s trip? A staggering $120,000, thanks to a tour in India before heading to Switzerland. She maintains the high-price is worth it, as she’ll be participating in a panel with former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore about the oilsands.

Story continues below advertisement

“From my perspective, I don’t really care who’s spreading it, we can’t have people out there spreading myths,” she said.

Redford was also set to make a stop in Afghanistan over the weekend, but that was cancelled due to a terrorist attack.