Liberal and New Democrat MPs have disagreed with a proposed amendment to the budget that would reduce the funding for the Governor General. .The motion was introduced by Conservative MP Kelly Block (Carleton Trail-Eagle Creek, SK). .According to Blacklock’s Reporter, Block accused Rideau Hall of living a lavish lifestyle while Canadians struggle and rely on food banks..“One in five Canadians are skipping meals because food is too expensive,” Block told the Commons Government Operations committee. .“Just this week, the food bank in Saskatoon held a food drive as usage is higher than it’s ever been.”.“Irresponsible spending by the Office of the Governor General has caused outrage,” said Block. .“That’s our job, to hold departments accountable, and this is one way we can do it,” she added..“The Governor General has shown a lack of respect for taxpayers, the Canadians she is meant to represent,” said Block. .“The job for which she has been tasked has become a means to expense an extravagant lifestyle.”.During a committee debate on Main Estimates, a budget document proposed spending $24.3 million at Rideau Hall this year. Block put forth a motion suggesting a reduction of $136,986 in the allocated funds..The sum was equivalent to Governor General Mary Simon’s charges for 16 months’ worth of clothing expenses, including silk jackets and $380 shoes, and the in-flight catering charge for Beef Wellington and other delicacies on a 2022 junket to Dubai. .Block noted the Governor General is currently paid $324,173 a year..“This has been increased by almost $49,000 over the last five years,” said Block. .“The Governor General’s extravagance is obviously something Canadians find unacceptable and we as Members of Parliament must act to curtail this outrageous extravagance.”.Bloc Québécois MP Julie Vignola (Beauport-Limoilou, QC) supported the motion. .“We consider this to be abusive,” said Vignola. .“Forty thousand dollars worth of clothes and a $324,000 a year salary? I think you can afford clothes.”.“Nobody here is going to doubt the fact if it were up to me, I mean, we could establish a republic that had no governor general,” said Vignola..“God save the King,” replied Conservative MP Michael Barrett (Leeds-Grenville, ON). .“That being said, I think the Governor General could save some money.”.Liberal and New Democrat MPs opposed the motion. The committee adjourned the debate without voting on the budget cut..“I would like to learn more,” said New Democrat MP Gord Johns (Courtenay-Alberni, BC). .“This is simply a proposal to arbitrarily cut an amount in a budget without having studied this properly,” said Liberal MP Anthony Housefather (Mount Royal, QC).
