The Alberta legislature's next session will begin a week earlier than originally scheduled so that Premier Ralph Klein can go fishing.

The legislature was set to resume on Aug. 30, when MLAs were expected to approve an extra $200 million in spending on health and education.

But Klein asked Monday for the session to begin earlier so it wouldn't conflict with a fishing trip he has booked for Sept. 4. 

A group of businessmen paid $50,000 at a Northern Alberta Institute of Technology fundraiser to spend a day fishing with him, said Klein.

Late Tuesday, the Speaker's office announced the session will begin now Aug. 24. It is expected to last five days. 

Fundraiser for NAIT
 
Tony DeFord, one of the 12 people who will take a private jet to Klein's fishing lodge in British Columbia, said Tuesday it would be impossible to reschedule the trip so late in the season.

DeFord said he has had beer with Klein in the past, but the premier's company wasn't the reason behind the bid.

"It was bidding and all of a sudden Ralph's involved, and he's got a piece of the action at the fishing lodge, but also, look what he's doing for a charitable organization at the other side of it."

The NAIT charity event also auctioned off a day of golf with Tory leadership candidate Lyle Oberg.

Klein has announced plans to step down as premier and Conservative leader this fall.

He was given an emotional send-off from the legislature in May, when it was believed the race to replace him would make that session his last.