Trudeau eligible for up to $2 million archive payout

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is set to receive between $1 million and $2 million from federal archives to acquire his personal papers as he exits office.

Blacklcok's Reporter says the payout follows a long-standing practice of spending taxpayer money to preserve the records of former leaders.

Library and Archives Canada has previously allocated seven-figure sums to “acquire, process, preserve and make accessible” prime ministerial papers deemed to have national significance.

Documents are selected based on their influence on Canadian history, their international impact, and their role in shaping federal policies, according to a 2018 memo.

Pierre Trudeau and Brian Mulroney each secured $1 million in federal tax credits for their personal archives. Paul Martin’s records were budgeted at $2 million, while Stephen Harper’s archives cost taxpayers $1.6 million.

The amount spent on Jean Chretien’s papers was not disclosed.

A 2019 Acquisition Strategy mandates that archivists collect and safeguard prime ministerial records, though public access is typically restricted for decades.

Government policies require a 30-year waiting period before cabinet documents are released, while national security papers may remain sealed for 60 years or longer.

In a farewell video posted on Twitter, Trudeau reflected on his tenure. “I am so proud of Canadians,” he said. “I am proud to have served the country full of people who stand up for what is right, rise to the occasion and always have each other’s backs when it matters most.”

Reaction to his departure was mixed. “Bye bye clown,” wrote one Twitter user. Another commented, “I don’t understand how any Canadian couldn’t vote for you.”

As a five-term MP for Papineau, Que., Trudeau qualifies for a parliamentary pension of approximately $96,000 annually. He is also entitled to a Prime Minister’s “special allowance” of $109,700 per year, along with a $15,000 transition allowance to assist departing MPs with career and financial planning.