It has been revealed that Liberal minister Harjit Sajjan will be attending Taylor Swift's upcoming concert in Vancouver at taxpayers' expense.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 it was cleared by the Ethics Commissioner, and even donated $1,500 to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. The corporation itself 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.As the CBC reports, when pressed by reporters, Sajjan defended the move, arguing that it was "supporting a very good cause, something that Taylor Swift also supports." He said he was "very happy to be able to raise money and create greater awareness for the food bank."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."The American pop star will perform three shows in Vancouver, on December 6, 7, and 8.
It has been revealed that Liberal minister Harjit Sajjan will be attending Taylor Swift's upcoming concert in Vancouver at taxpayers' expense.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 it was cleared by the Ethics Commissioner, and even donated $1,500 to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. The corporation itself 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.As the CBC reports, when pressed by reporters, Sajjan defended the move, arguing that it was "supporting a very good cause, something that Taylor Swift also supports." He said he was "very happy to be able to raise money and create greater awareness for the food bank."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."The American pop star will perform three shows in Vancouver, on December 6, 7, and 8.
