Alberta politicians' expenses reveal lavish dinners and small surprises

Alberta's provincial politicians expensed everything from five-figure hotel stays to single cans of pop last fiscal year—all within the rules set for their roles. The expenses posted online show politicians meeting constituents and stakeholders, covering travel costs and living expenses. Here's what stood out. Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams submitted over $500 for two dinners with constituents featuring $63 bison steaks with shrimp skewers, lamb shank, and wagyu ravioli. At a third dinner at the same restaurant, he billed $45 before tip. United Conservatives' Nolan Dyck expensed about $6,500 for an eight-night hotel stay in Calgary during last year's Stampede. Opposition NDP Leader Eggen spent $6,250 at an Edmonton restaurant for a Ramadan celebration he hosted. Former United Conservative cabinet minister Peter Guthrie, now leading the Progressive Tories, expensed a $430 steak, bison and salmon dinner for six in December. Opposition NDA agriculture critic Heather Sweet expensed a steak lunch with a staffer—her seven-ounce steaks cost nearly half what Williams ordered. Premier Danielle Smith's expenses were largely limited to hotel stays, though office supplies included club soda, lemonade, protein bars and trail mix. Opposition NDA Leader Naheed Nenshi's bills covered hotel stays, Uber receipts, and $125 in doughnuts for a back-to-school event. Calgary NDA member Parmeet Singh Boparai expensed just over 100 lunches and dinners ranging from $13 to nearly $150, with Cactus Club a frequent choice. Fort McMurray's Energy Minister Brian Jean and backbencher Tany Yao combined for 40 breakfasts, lunches or dinners, often at local Smitty's. Many politicians expensed snacks and sweets—beef jerky, Ring Pops, Cheezies, energy drinks and bananas—to have on hand for constituent meetings. Former finance minister Nate Horner submitted a receipt for a single can of Pepsi. Utilities Minister R.J. Sigurdson expensed a bottle of Excel Polar Ice gum under office supplies. On the catering end, Guthrie's office spent $4,300 on its annual Stampede barbecue last year, covering hotdog buns, bratwursts, sauerkraut, and 48 cans of pork and beans. Legislature Speaker Ric McIver and Arts Minister Tanya Fir split about $4,000 for a barbecue. NDA energy critic Nagwan Al-Guneid spent $4,300 to cater an event in her constituency last fall.