Catherine Stewart, Canada’s Ambassador for Climate Change, defended her frequent air travel during testimony at the Commons environment committee, citing efficiency and international obligations. Blacklock's Reporter says Stewart, who billed $254,089 in travel expenses during her first two years on the job, said flying often “makes more sense” than using alternatives like trains or videoconferencing.“As Canada’s climate ambassador, I have been asked to represent Canada internationally,” Stewart said. “That is why I travel as part of my role. I take that responsibility very seriously.”Stewart, who resides in Bern where her husband serves as Canada’s ambassador to Switzerland, faced scrutiny for her travel practices. Records revealed she regularly opted for flights even when train service was available and stayed in luxury hotels, including Amsterdam’s $551-per-night Manor Hotel and Berlin’s $422 Ritz-Carlton.Conservative MP Gérard Deltell (Louis-St-Laurent, Que.) questioned the environmental impact of her extensive travel, noting Stewart had visited five continents. “You have traveled everywhere, and your carbon footprint is a very large one,” Deltell said.Asked why she chose flights for domestic routes like Ottawa to Toronto instead of VIA Rail, Stewart explained, “Sometimes it makes more sense. It’s faster, air travel, as you know, than train. But certainly, you know, I do take this responsibility very seriously.”Deltell pressed further, referencing her mandate to exemplify Canada’s environmental policies. “Taking planes rather than trains and flying abroad to five continents when you can attend meetings virtually — is that really government policy?” he asked. Stewart did not respond directly.While some Liberal MPs defended Stewart, suggesting the questioning was overly focused on her expense accounts, others agreed her carbon footprint was a valid topic.“We’re discussing emissions reduction,” said Liberal MP Francis Scarpaleggia (Lac-St-Louis, Que.), chair of the committee.Stewart’s travels included stops in cities like Abu Dhabi, Beijing, Paris, and New York. She emphasized the importance of her work, saying, “I speak about the devastating impacts of climate change, demonstrating that Canada is not immune to its devastating impacts, including on health and security but also the economic costs associated with extreme weather events, natural disasters, and rising temperatures.”
