Newfoundland and Labrador taxpayers paid almost $500,000 for hospitality during a premiers' meeting this summer, according to documents obtained by the Opposition.

"It appears that the premiers had a very good time being wined and dined by the taxpayers of this province," when Premier Danny Williams hosted a Council of the Federation meeting in July, Liberal Leader Gerry Reid told the house of assembly Thursday.

Danny Williams told the legislature Thursday that the $480,000 the provincial government spent on the premiers' meeting in July was money well spent.
(CBC)

An Access to Information Act request filed by the Liberals showed taxpayers paid $130,000 for entertainment, and more than $100,000 for gifts to other premiers, including a farewell gift of a sealskin coat to Alberta's Ralph Klein.  

In all, the province paid about $480,000 toward the costs of the premiers' conference, the document show, with corporate sponsors picking up the majority of expenses, which ran over $1 million.

The documents show the province paid Great Big Sea $75,000 to perform for the first ministers. Comedian Rick Mercer was paid an additional $25,000 to perform.

"Do you consider this a priority in the province, a priority that includes a $75,000-fee for a one-hour musical performance by one band?" Reid asked.

Reid also suggested the $105,000 spent on gifts, including $35,000 for sweaters, was excessive, especially in light of rejected appeals for funding from various interest groups.

"We have hospital pharmacists looking for wage increases, we have outmigration at an alarming rate, we have schools that are full of mould, yet the premier can spend our precious tax dollars so freely," he said. 

Opposition leader Gerry Reid said Thursday the province wasted taxpayers' money: 'It appears that the premiers had a very good time being wined and dined by the taxpayers of this province.'
(CBC)

Williams brushed the criticism aside and said the expenses were justified.

"I take my greatest pride as premier of our province in showcasing every single bit of talent and music and culture that we have," Williams said. "By God, that is money well spent."

Among the expenses were sealskin coats given to Klein and his wife. Williams said the gifts, valued at $8,000, were a worthy way to applaud Klein and added they also promote the seal hunt.

Williams said direct spinoffs from the premiers' meeting were about three times what the provincial government spent.