It has been revealed that Liberal minister Harjit Sajjan opted not to attend the Taylor Swift concert in Vancouver over the weekend, and instead returned the taxpayer-funded tickets.Even though everything was cleared by the Ethics Commissioner, he faced a great deal of backlash for his decision when it was brought to light by Global News' Richard Zussman. ."After reviewing the circumstances around getting the Taylor Swift tickets for Saturday from PAVCO, Minister Harjit Sajjan decided not to go to the concert and gave back the tickets," Zussman wrote in a post on X, outline the most recent development. He noted that the minister did not, however, rescind his $1,500 donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank.Sajjan, who serves as emergency preparedness minister and oversees the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, was given tickets for him and his daughter by PavCo, a British Columbia-based Crown corporation that owns and runs BC Place.In a statement to Global News, Sajjan's press secretary explained that he only accepted the tickets after being given the all-clear by the Ethics Commissioner.PavCo donated a number of tickets to food banks and other charities to raise money via raffles, and even offered up suites at BC Place for auction. Sajjan was not the only politician to be offered tickets, though not all took PavCo up on their offer. Among those who declined was Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim."Mayor Sim is absolutely thrilled that Vancouver will be the final stop on Taylor Swift's record-breaking Eras Tour," the mayor's office said. "While tickets were offered to him in his capacity as the mayor of Vancouver, he declined and personally purchased tickets for himself, his family and friends. It's a chance to join Vancouverites and visitors from around the world in celebrating this unforgettable event right here in our city."
