Overview
- The $3,000 business-class flight was part of a $10,000 taxpayer-funded trip to Florida for a meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump earlier this year.
- Chief of Staff Marshall Anderson claims his blood disorder, Factor V Leiden, necessitates business-class seating to prevent fatal blood clots on flights over three hours.
- Anderson publicly defended the expense on May 6, calling the CBC’s reporting on the matter a smear campaign and sharing details of his medical condition to counter criticism.
- Premier Danielle Smith previously defended the travel expense when questioned by the Opposition NDP in March, emphasizing Anderson’s health needs.
- The controversy has reignited debates over government accountability and the use of public funds for official travel in Alberta politics.