Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Chief Science Advisor Dr. Mona Nemer spent more than $300,000, three quarters of her annual salary, on travel from Tokyo to Oslo, according to records obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter.
“Science can be everywhere,” Nemer, a University of Ottawa biochemist, earlier told MPs.
“I am a science advisor.”
“I appreciate that science can be everywhere.”
Nemer is paid $393,000 a year. Since her appointment in 2017 Nemer billed $316,224 for travel. The only periods in which Nemer did not incur travel expenses were during pandemic lockdowns.
Records show days after her appointment Nemer booked a week in Paris to “attend meetings.” Her business-class flights alone cost $8,335.
Other expenses included trips to Banff, Berlin, Boston, Brussels, Calgary, Chicoutimi, Dresden, Edmonton, Frankfurt, Geneva, Glasgow, Halifax, Iqaluit, London, Lyon, Marseilles, Montréal, New York, Madrid, Moncton, Oslo, Punta del Este in Uruguay, Québec City and Rome.
Nemer also billed for flights to St. John’s, Sackville, San Francisco, Saskatoon, Seattle, Sharm El Shiekh in Egypt, Stockholm, Sudbury, Tokyo, Toronto, Toulouse, Vancouver, Victoria, Washington, DC, Waterloo, Winnipeg and Yokohama.
Nemer in testimony last February 27 at the Commons Science Committee said she was determined to be active.
“We are expected to take part in the scientific life of the country,” she said.
“I believe that science can be a force for good. I believe in science diplomacy.”
“What’s your annual budget now?” asked Conservative MP Corey Tochor.
“I’m not certain exactly what it is,” replied Nemer.
“May I ask your salary?” asked Tochor.
“I regret I’m unable to give you my salary because I haven’t looked at it recently,” replied Nemer.
“Is there a bonus?” asked Tochor.
“There is no bonus compensation for my salary,” replied Nemer.
“I think it was set up this way to ensure my independence.”
“How many consultants do you typically hire in a year?” asked Tochor.
“Actually I don’t think we hire consultants,” replied Nemer.
“Our expert panel members work pro bono. That’s the scientific culture.”
Nemer in her last Annual Report to Parliament said that “Canada’s standing in the world” depended on science.
“The country’s scientific knowledge, its research capabilities and the expertise of its scientists are all coveted worldwide,” said the report. It did not disclose the office budget or staffing.
Cabinet last July 4 reappointed Nemer to another three-year term as Chief Science Advisor.
“Her advice will ensure we have the evidence we need to make good decisions,” Trudeau said at the time.