Fifteen Canadian senators took a taxpayer-funded 'familiarization tour' to Alberta in July 2024, costing $118,000, which included stops at the Calgary Stampede and Lake Louise. Organized by Sen. Scott Tannas, the trip's relevance and the reimbursement of spousal travel expenses are being questioned by some colleagues and a Senate committee, raising concerns about the diligent use of public funds and the Senate's public image.
15 senators took a $118K trip to Alberta. Some colleagues question its relevance
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TL;DR: Key points with love ❤️Fifteen Canadian senators took a taxpayer-funded 'familiarization tour' to Alberta in July 2024, costing $118,000, which included stops at the Calgary Stampede and Lake Louise. Organized by Sen. Scott Tannas, the trip's relevance and the reimbursement of spousal travel expenses are being questioned by some colleagues and a Senate committee, raising concerns about the diligent use of public funds and the Senate's public image.
Trending- 1 2015: Former Supreme Court justice Ian Binnie conducts audit on Senate expenses.
- 2 2023: Public servants' travel budgets reduced.
- 3 May 2024: Sen. Scott Tannas sends invitation for Alberta tour.
- 4 July 2024: 15 senators take the Alberta 'familiarization tour.'
- 5 September 2024: Sen. Ratna Omidvar gives speech about the trip.
- 6 April 30, 2025: Sen. Lucie Moncion sends letter to senators regarding co-ordinated trips.
- 7 Last Thursday (prior to article): CIBA meeting held, SEBS asked to examine travel.
- 8 Current: Review underway by Senate committee; another Alberta tour and a Churchill, Man. tour planned for this summer.
- Review of Senate travel rules
- Public scrutiny of Senate spending
- Potential tightening of rules for 'familiarization tours' and spousal travel
- Negative impact on the Senate's public image
What: Fifteen Canadian senators participated in a taxpayer-funded 'familiarization tour' to Alberta, costing $118,000, which has drawn criticism regarding its relevance and the reimbursement of spousal travel.
When: May 2024 (Sen. Tannas sent invitation); July 2024 (trip took place); April 30 (Sen. Moncion's letter); Last Thursday (CIBA meeting); 2015 (Ian Binnie's audit); September 2024 (Sen. Omidvar's speech); 2023 (public servants' travel budgets reduced).
Where: Alberta (Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, oilsands, grain and beef farms), Churchill (Manitoba), Ottawa (Senate), Baie-des-Chaleurs (New Brunswick).
Why: Sen. Tannas organized the trip to help senators unfamiliar with Alberta 'come to know' the province, arguing it's essential for their job of ensuring regional fairness. Critics question the trip's purpose, timing, and the inclusion of spousal expenses, viewing it as a 'summer team-building trip' or a 'vacation.'
How: Sen. Tannas invited colleagues on the tour, which included visits to various sites and industries. The trip was funded by taxpayers, with expenses including $500-plus-a-night hotels and spousal travel. The Senate Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (CIBA) is now reviewing the need for better supervision of such co-ordinated trips.