The wasted royal visit this year cost much more than I thought, about $10 M when all security costs are included. Time to end this.
CCR-CCRC Press Release/Communiqué 07/01/10
Royal Visit Could Cost Taxpayers More Than $1 M Or More Per Day
Toronto, July 1, 2010 - The 9-day visit to Canada by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip is predicted to cost the
public in excess of $9 million.
In documents released to Citizens for a Canadian Republic through access to information, it's estimated that up to $3.9 million of public funds could be spent to cover such expenditures as:
● $1 million for the Queen's attendance in Ottawa on Canada Day,
● $645,000 for royal visit staff salaries,
● $500,000 for the official dinner in Toronto (500 guests at $1,000 per person),
● $250,000 for gifts,
● $150,000 for the luncheon in Halifax.
In addition, security by municipal police forces is expected to balloon the amount even higher. On April 27, the City of Ottawa announced an additional $3 million will be spent on policing for the visit. A police spokesperson said the city will be looking for reimbursement from the federal government.
No estimates have yet been obtained about the cost of local police forces in Halifax, Toronto, Waterloo and Winnipeg, or the impact during the tour to local businesses due to street closures and traffic restrictions. However, policing in Toronto alone is expected to at least match Ottawa's.
The cost projections do not include those incurred by the Department of National Defense, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Public Works and Government Services Canada, and Health Canada.
Also, the documents revealed some costs may be shared with the provinces and that the final list of expenditures may be adjusted and re-released this summer.
"To put it in perspective," says CCR director Tom Freda, "the estimate is easily half the entire annual budget for
operating the office of the Governor General, which, per capita, is roughly what most parliamentary republics pay for a ceremonial president."
"Why are Canadian taxpayers forced to pay for a duplicate and redundant head of state which, according to every opinion poll taken in the last five years, Canadians either care little about or just simply don't want?"
~ End ~
Opinion poll link : May 25, 2010 - Only 33% favour Canada remaining a monarchy, 52% support reopening Canada’s constitutional debate to discuss replacing the monarch with an elected head of state, 32% are opposed.
CCR-CCRC Press Release/Communiqué 07/01/10
Royal Visit Could Cost Taxpayers More Than $1 M Or More Per Day
Toronto, July 1, 2010 - The 9-day visit to Canada by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip is predicted to cost the
public in excess of $9 million.
In documents released to Citizens for a Canadian Republic through access to information, it's estimated that up to $3.9 million of public funds could be spent to cover such expenditures as:
● $1 million for the Queen's attendance in Ottawa on Canada Day,
● $645,000 for royal visit staff salaries,
● $500,000 for the official dinner in Toronto (500 guests at $1,000 per person),
● $250,000 for gifts,
● $150,000 for the luncheon in Halifax.
In addition, security by municipal police forces is expected to balloon the amount even higher. On April 27, the City of Ottawa announced an additional $3 million will be spent on policing for the visit. A police spokesperson said the city will be looking for reimbursement from the federal government.
No estimates have yet been obtained about the cost of local police forces in Halifax, Toronto, Waterloo and Winnipeg, or the impact during the tour to local businesses due to street closures and traffic restrictions. However, policing in Toronto alone is expected to at least match Ottawa's.
The cost projections do not include those incurred by the Department of National Defense, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Public Works and Government Services Canada, and Health Canada.
Also, the documents revealed some costs may be shared with the provinces and that the final list of expenditures may be adjusted and re-released this summer.
"To put it in perspective," says CCR director Tom Freda, "the estimate is easily half the entire annual budget for
operating the office of the Governor General, which, per capita, is roughly what most parliamentary republics pay for a ceremonial president."
"Why are Canadian taxpayers forced to pay for a duplicate and redundant head of state which, according to every opinion poll taken in the last five years, Canadians either care little about or just simply don't want?"
~ End ~
Opinion poll link : May 25, 2010 - Only 33% favour Canada remaining a monarchy, 52% support reopening Canada’s constitutional debate to discuss replacing the monarch with an elected head of state, 32% are opposed.
