Canadian Delegation’s Expenses at UN Climate Summit Skyrocket to $3 Million
New figures reveal that the Liberal government spent nearly $3 million for delegates to attend the annual COP28 in 2023, which is more than double the previously reported amount.
According to the government’s response to an Inquiry of Ministry filed by Conservative MP Dan Mazier on May 6, the costs for the 182 Canadian delegates included $825,000 for transportation, $472,000 for accommodations, $295,000 for meals and incidentals, and $37,000 for hospitality.
In addition, $1.3 million was allocated for the Canadian pavilion, where 60 events showcased Canadian innovations in green energy sectors and international support for developing countries, bringing the total expenses to $2,954,188.
The order paper states that final costs are yet to be fully processed, as there are pending invoices and claims.
COP28 brought together delegates from nearly 200 countries in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to address global climate change action. Countries agreed to move away from oil, gas, and coal by 2050, surpassing previous commitments to achieve net-zero emissions by mid-century.
Expense details for the Canadian government included $200,000 for 40 rooms at Delta Hotels by Marriot Dubai, $195,000 for 55 rooms at Premier Inn Hotels LLC, and $83,000 for 10 rooms at the Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
Moreover, gifts related to the conference were disclosed, such as a $75 metal decorative tree for Japanese politician Akihiro Nishimura, a $130 wooden bowl for United Arab Emirates Special Envoy for Climate Change Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, and a $35 bottle of wine for Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu given by Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault.
Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault’s costs amounted to $13,239, with $4,461 spent on accommodation for 12 nights at the Investment Park Delta Hotel and $2,262 on meals and incidentals.
Other Trips
The previous government order paper reported a $1,353,307 expenditure for COP28, including $658,611 for transportation, $449,597 for hotels, $241,106 for meals and incidentals, and $3,992 for hospitality.
The order paper listed Canadian pavilion members without disclosing costs or the number of delegation members paid for by Ottawa. Since not all invoices and claims had been processed, the numbers were deemed non-final.
In 2022, Governor General Mary Simon faced scrutiny for her costly trips, including a week-long trip to Dubai in March costing over $1,307,731 and a trip to Iceland for $298,000 in October 2022. Additionally, she spent $800,000 on a four-day trip to Germany in 2021 and over $90,000 for a five-day tour of her hometown in Quebec.
