Canadian Government Spends Over $1 Million on Conferences

Federal financial reports reveal that the Government of Canada spent over $1 million on two major conferences held in Montreal in 2024. The events, hosted by Canada’s Parliament, included the 49th Annual Session of the Assemblée parlementaire de la Francophonie and the 70th Annual Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly. The expenditures have raised concerns about government spending, particularly during challenging economic times for many Canadians.

At the Francophonie conference, which took place from July 5-8, 2024, delegates received unusual gifts, including “musical spoons” purchased from Amazon at a cost exceeding $1,300. According to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), the total cost for this event was approximately $631,500. This figure included expenses incurred by parliamentary staff during a site visit prior to the event.

Significant portions of the budget were allocated to hospitality, with around $198,000 spent on meals for 475 delegates over four days. The CTF highlighted that the on-site restaurant charged $52 per person for its à la carte group menu. Franco Terrazzano, the CTF federal director, suggested that the government could have hosted meals at more economical establishments without compromising quality.

The conference culminated in a lavish “cultural dinner,” which cost an additional $80,000. Performances at this event included acts from local artists, with payments amounting to $5,750 and $4,250 for the performing groups. The unexpected purchase of musical spoons drew criticism, with Terrazzano remarking, “When the government is spending $1,300 of other people’s money on musical spoons, it sends the signal that government bureaucrats are looking for ways to waste other people’s money.”

The NATO Parliamentary Assembly event held from November 22-25, 2024, also incurred substantial costs, totaling approximately $405,000. This included $54,000 for transportation, $63,000 for accommodations, and $21,400 for per diems. The bulk of expenses fell under hospitality costs, which were billed back to Ottawa for the 577 participants.

Notable expenses included over $88,000 paid to a local seafood restaurant for various meals and receptions. A dinner at a Mediterranean restaurant cost nearly $16,000, while a final-night reception exceeded $94,000, which included a performance from Cirque Éloize valued at $12,000. Delegate bags provided to the attendees also added to the total, costing approximately $10,500 and containing scarves, lapel pins, and pens.

In addition, a parliamentary staffer’s solo NATO observation mission to Sofia, Bulgaria in May and a site visit by nine staff members to Montreal accounted for over $15,000 in additional costs.

Terrazzano emphasized the need for the government to reassess its spending practices. He stated, “If the federal government is serious about saving money, it should start by cutting down on its conference bills. This type of spending is what infuriates Canadians.” As the government continues to organize high-profile events, scrutiny over such expenditures is likely to persist, particularly as many Canadians face economic challenges.