Philippine Showbiz Today
July 22 - August 7, 2017
Jan. 22-Feb.7, 2015
5
Liberal government spends millions
in extra costs for Canada 150 projects
Honourable
Tobias
C.
Enverga Jr., Senator from Ontario,
expressed concern upon learning
of the millions of dollars that the
Liberal government is doling out
in additional spending as the total
cost of Canada 150 celebrations
continues to rise.
“Canada’s 150th birthday
is certainly cause to celebrate
and reflect on how fortunate we
are to live in such a welcoming
and diverse country,” said
Senator Enverga in a statement.
“However, I have concerns about
the amount of money that is being
spent on items and events that are
not well supported by Canadian
taxpayers.”
In total, Canadians will foot
a bill worth $500 million to mark
Canada’s sesquicentennial. $200
million of which is earmarked for
the Canada 150 Fund, which will
go towards special events and
projects held across the country.
A recent Ipsos poll revealed that
70% of Canadians believe that
the Liberal government has spent
too much money on Canada 150
festivities.
“Canada’s 150th anniversary
deserves to be celebrated, but
it should be commemorated
through significant projects that
all Canadians will support and
enjoy,” Senator Enverga added.
“As Canada 150 celebrations will
continue throughout the year, it
is my hope that future events and
projects yet to come will be more
meaningful, and worth celebrating
for all Canadians.”
Senator Enverga previously
questioned spending related to
Canada 150. During Question
Period in the Senate, he asked
the Government Representative in
the Senate, Senator Peter Harder,
about the allocation of Canada 150
funds to subsidize a giant rubber
duck at the Toronto waterfront.
Other areas of concern exist with
regards to Canada 150 funded
projects, including funding for the
most expensive signature project,
Sesqui, which received $10.5
million for their traveling cinematic
show, whose tour consists of 7
Ontario-only stops. Additionally,
funding for WE Day on Parliament
Hill, which prominently featured
Prime Minister Trudeau, topped
$1.5 million as crowds over
100,000 people were expected.
RCMP estimate that only 14,000
attended.●