Murray Wood: Who's hot... and who's not
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The Department of National Defence says the Royal Canadian Air Force flypast during King Charles III’s visit to Ottawa this spring cost more than $824,700.
The department released a tally of its expenses associated with the royal visit, which came to more than $1.28 million, in response to a question from a Bloc Québécois MP.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla visited Canada on May 26 and 27, and the King delivered the Liberal government’s throne speech during the trip.
The documents show about $400,000 was spent to send an RCAF plane and crew to the U.K. to bring the King and Queen to Canada.
DND documents listed $868,995 under “other” costs and The Canadian Press asked for details on Sept. 17.
The department responded today to say the vast majority of that cost was for the flypast, with $15,455 being spent on the ceremonial guard and other army personnel supporting the visit.
It was King Charles’ 20th time to visit Canada, but the spring visit was his first since his coronation two years ago. While he was in the nation’s capitol, he delivered the throne speech and met with Prime Minister Mark Carney, Governor General Mary Simon and some community members.
The Canadian Press reported earlier that Simon issued a media statement welcoming the King and Queen to Canada.
“The presence of Their Majesties at this pivotal moment in our history holds profound significance. It reaffirms the enduring constitutional bond that has shaped Canada’s journey into a proud and independent nation,” Simon said.
“The Crown’s role in Canada is more than symbolic; it serves as a cornerstone of the democratic freedoms and rights we cherish. The presence of Their Majesties fosters a sense of unity among Canadians, reminding us of the shared values that bring us together — respect, compassion and hope.”
During this visit, King and Queen held audiences with the leaders of three national Indigenous organizations: Assembly of First Nations National Chief Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami President Natan Obed and Métis National Council President Victoria Pruden.
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