Former B.C. premier Gordon Campbell hosts $209,000 celebration at taxpayers' expense

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      Canada's high commissioner in London, Gordon Campbell, is back in the news in connection with some lavish spending.

      According to a CBC News report, the celebration to reopen Canada House in the British capital cost taxpayers more than $200,000.

      The event, which was hosted by the former B.C. premier and attended by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, lasted for a few hours on February 19.

      A CBC access-to-information request revealed that the 3,000 invitations cost more than $10,000. Four Mounties sent to the event charged nearly $5,000 in hotel bills. Another $46,296 was spent on a publication to celebrate the reopening of Canada House, according to CBC.

      Then there was the wine ($9,716), a breakfast buffet (nearly $2,400), rib-eye beef ($1,273), and assorted other costs.

      The former foreign affairs minister John Baird—who loudly insisted that politicians need to be defined by their values—showed up to partake in the festivities, even though he had resigned his job more than two weeks earlier.

      CBC reported that Baird's name appears on a $16,000 bronze plaque as foreign affairs minister, which was unveiled by Queen Elizabeth at the event. The actual foreign affairs minister on the date of the plaque—February 19—was Rob Nicholson.

      Campbell's spending has come under scrutiny in the past.

      In 2012, CBC News reported that the former B.C. premier billed taxpayers for $67,026 for dinners, cocktail receptions, and parties from January to May that year. He even charged the government for three tuxedo rentals costing $600. 

      After much huffing and puffing, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs claimed that there were clerical errors and those bills were officially trimmed to $33,976.

      There's no word yet on whether government accountants will issue a similar announcement in connection with February 19 event.

      Comments

      12 Comments

      HellSlayerAndy

      Jun 7, 2015 at 11:45am

      ...so they had a party in London, re-launched an embassy, Queen attended, 3000+ high roller types and spent 200k?

      Seems frugal compared to the shin-digs of waste and arrogance held locally for a lot less illustrious reasons?

      people don't forget

      Jun 7, 2015 at 12:22pm

      At least it's not just B.C. paying that clown's way, now all of Canada has to suffer.

      Ward Philips

      Jun 7, 2015 at 12:54pm

      It's pretty funny that Gordon Campbell doesn't own a tuxedo actually

      Nice suits, poor leaders

      Jun 7, 2015 at 1:05pm

      The most successful politician in the history of British Columbia is named Gordon Campbell. Elected to lead majority governments three times by the bone headed people of BC. What do you expect him to do? Spend the money on First Nations schools, seniors citizens and veterans? You must be joking.

      Not Surprised

      Jun 7, 2015 at 2:04pm

      Wasn't this the guy who cut the welfare and social health programs down to zero, effectively decimating thousands of people's lives; including handicapped and mentally ill people who couldn't work? Yeah, seems kind of odd that he thinks that there's no end of taxpayer money when it comes to himself.
      Morally bankrupt people with no self awareness always seem to think that lavish money habits will make up for what they lack.

      tedo

      Jun 7, 2015 at 2:17pm

      strange i didnt see this in the Vancouver Sun or Province

      Brucifer

      Jun 7, 2015 at 2:41pm

      Had Just finished Investing $40,000 into Pilots Licence
      THREE hours from my Night Rating.
      Denied Welfare March 2003
      Zero Income since March 2010
      Where's my Welfare, Liberal?
      You Pathetic Clones of Scroooooooge.
      That Hawaii Drunken Mugshot, Priceless.
      This Gutter Life is Absolute Battery and Assault, at the Hands of Demonic Psychopaths.
      I SHALL OUTLIVE YOU, BC Liberal Reptilian Lowlifes.

      View from the Coast

      Jun 7, 2015 at 10:26pm

      Just yet another example of the narcissistic maggots that are chowing down on the carcass of a country I used to be proud of.

      ursa minor

      Jun 8, 2015 at 8:48am

      Not to be outdone, Christy Clark shuts down the Burrard Bridge for One-Percenters Yoga Party....

      Seriously?

      Jun 8, 2015 at 11:27am

      The expenditure isn't that high folks, especially considering what the event was celebrating and where it took place. Change the political affiliation of the HC and the Straight wouldn't publish this. Gordo the Drunk was a nightmare but at least his current position makes some of the left drones froth at the mouth. I especially enjoy the double standard regarding the outrage over his drunk driving record and that of politicians linked with BC's other party. One can't even mention that X crashed her/his car whilst driving drunk and X even gets support trying to become a federal or provincial candidate. The best thing about Gordo the Drunk's spending is that we only pay part of it now.