Alberta premier’s Mar-a-Lago visit cost more than $10,000, documents reveal
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s visit to Mar-a-Lago to meet then president-elect Donald Trump in January has come into clearer focus, shedding light on the details of the trip as a trade war with the United States loomed. The unexpected journey, which cost $10,101.87, included three companions, one of whom flew back in business class. Documents obtained through a Freedom of Information request revealed the total cost and who accompanied the premier on the visit.
Criticism arose following Smith’s visit, with some questioning her decision to go to Mar-a-Lago instead of aligning with the unified response of “Team Canada” to Trump’s tariffs. Smith defended her visit, stating that she had a “constructive” conversation with Trump, emphasizing the importance of the U.S.-Canadian energy relationship.
Records indicate that Smith and her team visited Mar-a-Lago from Jan. 10 to 12, accompanied by chief of staff Rob Anderson, principal secretary Rebecca Polak, and James Rajotte, Alberta’s senior representative to the United States. The expenses for flights, hotels, meals, and other costs totaled $10,101.87 for the approximately 48-hour trip.
The travel expenses included a one-way business class flight for Anderson from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Calgary, connecting through Montreal. All four members stayed at a Marriott hotel during their visit. The documents also revealed that Smith, Polak, and Anderson traveled to Florida from Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
The mission objective and key initiatives of the trip were redacted in a travel policy form, but a secondary objective was to “engage key incoming administration allies and gain insights on international trade and policy changes affecting Alberta and Canada.”
When questioned about the trip, Smith confirmed that she discussed the possibility of the U.S. buying more oil and gas from Canada with Trump. The premier’s office did not provide further details on the duration of the meeting with Trump or the justification for the trip’s cost.
Political science professor Lori Williams raised questions about the necessity of the additional personnel accompanying Smith on the trip and the overall impact of the visit. She suggested that other engagements, such as speaking at conferences and media appearances, may be more effective in addressing Canada’s concerns.
The controversy surrounding Smith’s visit highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending, particularly when taxpayer dollars are involved. The premier’s interactions with U.S. officials and decision-making processes will continue to be scrutinized as the implications of her visit to Mar-a-Lago unfold.
