The Ministry of National Defense (DND) said the total cost of the governor-general’s catering bill during a trip to the Middle East in March was actually $ 80,367.19, adjusting an initial figure released to parliament this week.
In a statement to CTV News, the department said in a further review of the receipts that the price was about $ 13,000 lower than reported to parliament and included three dinners, three breakfasts, two lunches and various snacks for 29 passengers and 17 crews. .
An answer to a paper question from Conservative MP Michael Barrett, who demanded details of flights aboard the CC-150 Polaris government aircraft between December 1, 2021 and April 26, 2022, revealed that Governor-General Mary Simon and her guests have spent $ 93,117.89 on catering.
Catering does not include alcoholic beverages consumed on board the aircraft.
Earlier Thursday, Rideau Hall issued a statement saying Simon “shares the public’s concern” about the costs and expects further clarification from relevant departments.
DND noted that the Office of the Governor General of Canada is not involved in Royal Canadian Air Force flight boarding decisions and that while trying to reduce costs, catering services are only offered by select providers, “as defined by various airports. and local authorities. ”
“We strive to minimize the cost of catering at all times. For example, on CC-144 Challenger flights departing from Ottawa, the flight attendant may prepare meals in advance that deliver fresh ingredients purchased from local grocery stores and, in rare cases, from local restaurants, the statement said.
“It’s usually a very economical means of providing food in flight, but it’s limited to flights departing from Ottawa.”
The agency also noted that the exchange rate for the Canadian dollar also affects food prices.
During the trip, Simon was a guest of honor at Expo 2020 in Dubai. She also toured Camp Canada at Ali Al Salem Air Force Base in Kuwait and met with members of the Canadian Armed Forces at Al Udaid Air Base in Qatar.
Simon’s trip abroad was the second since he was appointed Queen’s representative in Canada in July 2021.
“The governor-general is making official and state visits abroad only at the request of the prime minister and in support of Canada’s international diplomatic goals,” Rideau Hall said.
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