Nearly half of Canadians want the federal government to cut the governor general’s budget, according to new polling released by Leger and highlighted by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF). The poll found that 49% of respondents support reducing spending on the ceremonial office, while only 13% want it increased. When excluding those unsure, nearly 60% favour a cut.“Nearly half of Canadians believe the governor general’s budget is too big and should be reduced,” said Nicolas Gagnon, Quebec Director for the CTF. “When families are struggling with rising prices, it’s wrong to rubberstamp budget increases for a completely ceremonial office.”.The governor general’s office spent $36 million in 2023-24, according to its latest annual report. The current salary is $378,000, with additional perks including a taxpayer-funded clothing allowance, a lifetime pension of roughly $150,000 per year, and a $200,000 annual expense account that continues after leaving office.“The governor general already receives a massive salary, lives in a taxpayer-funded mansion, flies on private jets and still gets a six-figure annual expense account after retirement,” said Gagnon. “Canadians are sending the prime minister a clear message: enough is enough.”The CTF is urging Prime Minister Mark Carney to respond by reducing the office’s overall spending.
