Why Smith says there was no money to revitalize downtown Calgary in Budget 2023

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek did not provide a 'priority list' with her asks for Budget 2023.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek did not provide a "priority list" with her asks for Budget 2023.

"It just so happens that we didn't receive a priority list from the City of Calgary," said Smith Monday. 

Smith said the number one priority from both Edmonton and Calgary was public safety, a key component that was delivered on in the budget, according to the premier. 

"I'm looking forward to meeting with Mayor Gondek to find out what her priorities are, and I hope we'll be able to come to a conclusion on that," Smith said.

Smith and her UCP government faced criticism in wake of the budget being released for focusing zero money in revitalization efforts of the downtown core. 

She says investing in converting vacant office buildings into residential housing is not feasible. 

"For me to explain why I would give $100 million to a Toronto-based (real estate investment trust) so that they can renovate their building, I accept that that's a bit of a complicated argument to be made," Smith said.