Premier's Olympics trip dings taxpayers for $83,800

Alberta Premier Alison Redford'strip to London during the Olympics willcost taxpayers $83,800.

Redford will spend five days in London beginning Sundayalong withTourism Minister Christine Cusanelli and Culture Minister Heather Klimchuk and three staff members.

Redfordwill not be attending any sporting events, saidthe premier's spokesman Jay O'Neill.

The province is hosting three receptions and Redford will be deliveringspeeches at two othersa "Canadian Energy Day" hosted by the federal Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and a Canada-UK Chamber of Commerce function, he said.

The money is well spent, said O'Neill.

"If we want to be seen as being international being on the international stageI don't think we want to put a price tag on it," said O'Neill. "We have to do these things. These are the right things to do at this time andAlberta will see the benefits of it."

In a press release, Redford said theevent is an opportunity to connect with decision-makers, executives and investorsat the same time and in the same place.

"They are where the world meets and thats where Alberta needs to be," she said.

But Liberal Leader Raj Sherman says the cost of the trip is excessive.

"We support getting Alberta's message to the world but not at this exhorbitant price," he said. "It's a slap in the face to hard working Albertans frankly."