The new numbers are nearly double what government documents reported in March
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Newly released figures have more than doubled what the government spent to attend a high-profile UN climate change summit last year.
And, according to information sourced online, COP28’s Canada pavilion featured a four-minute climate change hip-hop set by Baba Brinkman, a Canadian rapper and playwright known for rapping about science, literature and environmental issues, and is also the son of former federal fisheries minister Joyce Murray.
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In March, the National Post reported that Canada had spent nearly $1.4 million to attend the 28th United Nations climate change conference, commonly known as COP28, that took place in Dubai last year from Nov. 30 to Dec. 12.
This week, an order paper question response unearthed by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation contains updated numbers, putting the cost to fly and lodge 182 government-sponsored delegates closer to $3 million.
“Nothing screams fighting climate change like flying around the world burning through jet fuel and millions of tax dollars,” said the federation’s Franco Terrazzano.
“Here’s a crazy idea: maybe the feds don’t need to spend $3 million flying 182 politicians and bureaucrats to Dubai.”
Canada’s entire delegation to COP28 amounted to 633 people, according to the original order paper question response.
While previous government statements and documents weren’t clear on how many of those had their trip covered by the government, the response to this latest order paper question — this time submitted by Conservative MP Dan Mazier — put that number at 182.
Canada’s updated costs to attend COP28 now sit at $3 million — up from the previously reported figure of $1.4 million.
As was the case before, none of these figures are final, due to outstanding invoices and claims that have yet to be processed.
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Transportation costs jumped from $658,511 in March to $825,466, while accommodation rose from $449,597 to $472,570.
Hospitality costs jumped from just $3,992 to $37,390, and the new invoices also related to establishing COP28’s Canada pavilion, which cost taxpayers $1.3 million and featured daily programming, including talks, seminars and performances.
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While no information was provided on if, or how much, Brinkman was paid for his performance, Terrazzano confirmed that ATIPs were filed this week to determine that number.
“We don’t know if taxpayers funded any part of his performance or any expenses, but if taxpayers did, we will find out,” Terrazzano said.
For those who attended COP28 on the government dime, 159 hotel rooms were booked across 21 properties.
Most stayed at the Delta Hotels by Marriott in Dubai’s Investment Park near the COP28 venues, with 171 nights booked across 40 rooms, totalling $204,022.
Located nearby, Premier Inn hosted 55 booked rooms for 15 nights, costing $195,462.
Airfare to send Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault to COP28 cost taxpayers $13,239.83, with $4,461 spent on accommodation for a 12-night stay at the Investment Park Delta Hotel.
The minister also expensed $2,262.10 in meals and incidentals.
The National Post reached out to Environment and Climate Change Canada for comment.
As well, $641 in gifts were handed out — including a $75 metal tree silhouette gifted to former Japanese environment minister Akihiro Nishimura, and $53 aluminum beaver for Vietnam’s environment minister Dang Quoc Khanh, a $35 bottle of ice wine for China’s environment minister Huang Runqiu, and a $119 wooden box for Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates.
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