Alberta premier defends $4.8-million office budget increase

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith defended a 23% increase to her office’s budget, attributing it to assuming responsibility for promoting the province’s oil and gas industry. The increase, totaling $4.8 million, completes the absorption of the Canadian Energy Centre into the government, a move criticized by the Opposition NDP. The transition involved hiring additional staff and reallocating advertising funds towards energy advocacy efforts, with notable contracts awarded to individuals and consulting firms.

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