Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed his intention to investigate an expenditure program that allowed former governors general to charge the government over $500,000 last year. This program, initiated in 1979 and veiled in secrecy, permits each ex-governor general to invoice up to $206,040 annually, in addition to their pensions.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, the government disbursed $554,000, inclusive of taxes, in reimbursements to back five former governors general, as confirmed by Rideau Hall to CBC News. However, specifics regarding who received reimbursements and the purpose of the funds remain undisclosed, with Rideau Hall only disclosing that five living former governors general are eligible for the program.
When questioned by CBC News about the program and whether he would commit to enhanced public financial disclosure as recommended in a previous report, Carney admitted being unaware of the program’s intricacies. He pledged to delve into the matter to guarantee enhanced transparency surrounding the expenses during a news conference introducing Canada’s upcoming governor general, Louise Arbour.
Carney acknowledged the distinguished service rendered by former governors general to the country, emphasizing their ongoing contribution to Canadians through charitable and foundation endeavors. The program allows former Crown representatives in Canada to seek reimbursement for expenses linked to their tenure indefinitely and up to six months posthumously, provided these costs align with activities stemming from their time at Rideau Hall.
Former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau initiated an independent review of the program in 2019 amid concerns about transparency and its value. Alain Séguin, a former federal bureaucrat turned consultant, oversaw the review and highlighted the program’s lack of updates over its four-decade history, emphasizing the need for increased transparency and alignment with current public sector practices.
Séguin’s report, released under access to information laws, underscored the inadequacy of the federal government’s public reporting policy in providing comprehensive information on the program. Following public outcry triggered by a National Post expose in 2018 revealing significant expenses by former governor general Adrienne Clarkson, the 2019 report recommended public disclosure of expense claims by former viceregals and their purposes, akin to how MPs’ travel expenses are openly shared online.
Despite recommendations for enhanced transparency and evaluation of support payments’ duration, the Governor General’s office confirmed no alterations had been made to public reporting to date. The Trudeau administration reiterated its commitment to reviewing the program in 2021, especially in light of concerns over former governor general Julie Payette’s access to a substantial expense account.
Payette resigned following an independent review citing mistreatment of staff and a toxic workplace environment reported by CBC News. The Governor General’s office refrained from disclosing whether Payette had utilized the expense program since stepping down five years ago. Requests for clarification sent via Rideau Hall to Payette regarding her use of the program remain unanswered as of now.
Rideau Hall mandates former governors general to furnish supporting documentation, including original invoices and receipts, when submitting reimbursement claims. The Privy Council Office reiterated Rideau Hall’s stance on the issue without offering additional comments.
