Mary Simon hikes military travel bill after committee scrutiny
The governor general's travel expenses have once again increased despite Canadians struggling to make ends meet.
The Department of National Defence increased spending on travel for Governor General Mary Simon by 21 per cent in 2024–25, according to records obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), reversing a brief decline that followed parliamentary scrutiny of her expenses.
National Defence spent approximately $3 million last year on travel tied to the governor general, covering personnel, equipment, transportation, meals and accommodations. The year prior, spending had dropped to about $2.5 million after MPs criticized what they called “absurd” costs.
“Taxpayers forced spending restraint after a scandal and committee hearings,” said CTF federal director Franco Terrazzano. “But travel costs went back up once the spotlight faded.”
Over the past seven years, National Defence has provided more than $26 million in travel “support” for the governor general, according to the CTF.
The increase comes as an October 2025 auditor general’s report found some Canadian Armed Forces members living in deteriorating housing conditions, including broken infrastructure and unsafe drinking water.
Among the trips highlighted was a $227,000 visit to Paris. Another trip between Oct. 17 and 19, 2024, costing $141,000, was not accompanied by a standard public press release.
International travel has drawn scrutiny before. In 2022, a four-day trip to Iceland cost roughly $300,000, including $71,000 for limousines. A week-long Middle East trip the same year totalled about $1 million, including approximately $100,000 for in-flight catering.
The $3 million in National Defence spending represents only part of overall gubernatorial travel costs, which also involve the RCMP, Global Affairs Canada and Canadian Heritage.
The governor general’s office has said travel supports official duties.
Sheila Gunn Reid
Chief Reporter
Sheila Gunn Reid is the Alberta Bureau Chief for Rebel News and host of the weekly The Gunn Show with Sheila Gunn Reid. She's a mother of three, conservative activist, and the author of best-selling books including Stop Notley.
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COMMENTS
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Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2026-02-20 20:50:08 -0500The other day, I mentioned that the last Governor General that I admired was Roland Michener. One reason was that he served in that role with dignity and respect for the office, becoming a credit to this country.
I’ll revise my earlier comment by adding his successor Jules Leger as I had totally forgotten about him when I wrote it. He had difficulties in performing his duties because of a stroke and, as I recall, offered to step down. However, he was able to serve his full term because he was assisted by his wife and the country respected them for it.
Sadly, in the last 30 or so years, we haven’t had anyone in Rideau Hall who came close to showing such devotion and dedication to duty. -
Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2026-02-20 20:07:42 -0500Of course she needs to spend that money. After all, travelling by borrowing Apollo’s horse-drawn chariot can be expensive. (Huh? She travels by air? You mean, like us proles?)
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Bruce Atchison commented 2026-02-20 19:58:15 -0500The rich get richer because the poor keep voting them in. I’m sure I could do a better job since I’m blessed with common sense.
