Alberta Premier Danielle Smith makes an announcement in Edmonton, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Her chief of staff is defending a business class flight he charged to taxpayers, citing a health condition that increases his risk of blood clots. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
Alberta Premier’s chief of staff defends business class flight from Trump visit
EDMONTON - The chief of staff to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending a business class flight he charged to taxpayers, citing a health condition that increases his risk of blood clots.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith makes an announcement in Edmonton, Tuesday, April 29, 2025. Her chief of staff is defending a business class flight he charged to taxpayers, citing a health condition that increases his risk of blood clots. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson
EDMONTON - The chief of staff to Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is defending a business class flight he charged to taxpayers, citing a health condition that increases his risk of blood clots.
The flight in question was a return flight he took from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Calgary earlier this year when he accompanied Smith to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The CBC reported this week that the two-day stop in Florida for Smith, Anderson and two others cost Alberta taxpayers about $10,000, with Anderson’s flight home billed at nearly $3,000 alone.
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Anderson says a blood disorder requires him to elevate his legs as much as possible when sitting upright for long periods of time.
For flights longer than three hours, he says that means flying business class to avoid medical emergencies or even death.
He says the CBC report was an attempt to smear him, and he’ll continue to travel with Smith as long as he’s medically able.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 6, 2025.
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