Western premiers meeting turned into conference call, as Redford faces controversy

REGINA -- A meeting between the premiers of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan has turned into a conference call.

Christy Clark, Alison Redford and Brad Wall were supposed to gather in Regina today for a meeting of what they call the "New West Partnership."

Wall's office confirms both Redford and Clark will instead dial in.

Redford is facing controversy at home over the $45,000 she and an aide spent to travel to South Africa for Nelson Mandela's funeral.

Redford personally repaid the money Wednesday, but there are reports that one of her Calgary backbenchers, Len Webber, is leaving the Tory caucus to sit as an Independent.

Webber has already announced his intention to seek the Conservative nomination in the newly established federal riding of Calgary Confederation.

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  Alberta Premier Alison Redford is facing controversy over the $45,000 she and an aide spent to travel to South Africa for Nelson Mandela's funeral. (CP / Darryl Dyck)