Canada is so concerned about climate change, it sent the more delegates than any other country to the COP26 talks in Glasgow..A total of 277 bureaucrats went along for the ride, and that’s not including the prime minister’s official photographer, official videographer and lead speechwriter, 17 press secretaries and communications directors, four CBC reporters and the entire Green Party caucus comprised of two MPs, said Blacklock’s Reporter..Even ex-Environment Minister Catherine McKenna was along for the ride, but it’s not yet clear whether taxpayers are picking up her tab..The host country, the United Kingdom, only sent 227 delegates on the short drive up the motorway to Glasgow..Other G7 countries didn’t seem as fussed as Canada about the conference. Japan sent a delegation of 225, France 195, US 133, Germany, 120 and Italy with 66..New Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault is also in attendance and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke to the delegates.“Canada has taken steps to ensure diverse perspectives are reflected in international forums,” said Samantha Bayard, spokeswoman for the department..A total 39,509 people from countries around the world registered for the Glasgow conference, including 3,800 media and 14,000 observers. The meeting continues until November 12..Canada’s delegation included Guilbeault, Deputy Environment Minister Thelma Hogan, Assistant Deputy Minister Catherine Stewart, Climate Change Ambassador Patricia Fuller, Climate Change Director Joanna Dafoe and 25 advisors and negotiators with the department..A delegation half the size at a 2019 UN climate conference in Madrid cost $683,278, according to a report tabled in the Commons. Expenses for air fare, taxis and chauffeured cars for the 144 Canadian delegates were $178,282..“A number of invoices and claims have yet to be processed,” said the report..Costs billed by the Canadian delegation in Spain included $93,439 for meals, another $228,881 for hotels and $21,080 billed as “hospitality.”.The report did not detail liquor expenses.
