This Just in - So Much for Honest Ed's new way of doing business...

A Calgary fundraiser set for next week is offering exclusive access to Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach and several of his ministers for $5,000 to help wipe out leadership campaign debts.

Tickets to a reception at Stampede Park are selling for $500 each, but a smaller `more exclusive' event is also offered for a minimum donation of $5,000.

The events are being held to raise money for Stelmach, Finance Minister Lyle Oberg, Health Minister Dave Hancock, and former cabinet minister Mark Norris, who was also a leadership contender.

An e-mail from an event organizer says both events will offer those willing to pay with an excellent opportunity to spend time with the new premier and ministers to discuss issues of mutual interest.

The premier could not be reached for comment and his spokesman referred calls to a leadership campaign official, who said such fundraisers are a reality because `there are bills that need to be paid.'

Liberal Leader Kevin Taft says this type of event should be illegal, while NDP Leader Brian Mason says this represents an enormous lapse in judgment by the new premier.