Sen. Enverga questions Canada 150 spending

Sen. Enverga questions Canada 150 spending

OTTAWA–The Honourable Tobias C. Enverga Jr., Senator from Ontario, expressed concern upon learning of the millions of dollars that the Liberal government is doling out in additional spending as the total cost of Canada 150 celebrations continues to rise.

“Canada’s 150th birthday is certainly cause to celebrate and reflect on how fortunate we are to live in such a welcoming and diverse country,” said Senator Enverga in a statement. “However, I have concerns about the amount of money that is being spent on items and events that are not well supported by Canadian taxpayers.”

In total, Canadians will foot a bill worth $500 million to mark Canada’s sesquicentennial. $200 million of which is earmarked for the Canada 150 Fund, which will go towards special events and projects held across the country. A recent Ipsos poll revealed that 70% of Canadians believe that the Liberal government has spent too much money on Canada 150 festivities.

“Canada’s 150th anniversary deserves to be celebrated, but it should be commemorated through significant projects that all Canadians will support and enjoy,” Senator Enverga added. “As Canada 150 celebrations will continue throughout the year, it is my hope that future events and projects yet to come will be more meaningful, and worth celebrating for all Canadians.”

Senator Enverga previously questioned spending related to Canada 150. During Question Period in the Senate, he asked the Government Representative in the Senate, Senator Peter Harder, about the allocation of Canada 150 funds to subsidize a giant rubber duck at the Toronto waterfront. Other areas of concern exist with regards to Canada 150 funded projects, including funding for the most expensive signature project, Sesqui, which received $10.5 million for their traveling cinematic show, whose tour consists of 7 Ontario-only stops. Additionally, funding for WE Day on Parliament Hill, which prominently featured Prime Minister Trudeau, topped $1.5 million as crowds over 100,000 people were expected. RCMP estimate that only 14,000 attended.

(PRESS RELEASE)