Taxpayers foot RCMP security bill as Justin Trudeau travels the world with Katy Perry
Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry's frequent international travels are leaving Canadian taxpayers on the hook for significant security costs.
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau’s globe-trotting with pop star Katy Perry is coming with an extra passenger: the Canadian taxpayer.
Despite leaving political life, Trudeau continues to receive RCMP protection, including during private international travel, according to a report from the Journal de Montréal.
The newspaper reports that RCMP officers have accompanied Trudeau during trips with Perry, meaning taxpayers are responsible for the security costs associated with protecting the former prime minister as he travels abroad.
Justin Trudeau dances with a toilet plunger while his girlfriend Katy Perry hops up and down to promote his son’s rap song. pic.twitter.com/rGSFsCev6g
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) August 17, 2026
Trudeau and Perry have been publicly linked since 2025 and have since been spotted together in several international destinations. Most recently, the couple was photographed vacationing in Saint-Tropez in early August, around the one-year anniversary of their relationship.
The RCMP would not disclose the size of Trudeau's security detail or the total cost of protecting him, citing operational security.
The force determines protection requirements based on threat and risk assessments. Former prime ministers do not automatically receive permanent RCMP protection for life, but security can continue when authorities determine it is necessary.
That means Trudeau's departure from elected office has not necessarily ended the public expense associated with his personal security.
The issue becomes considerably more expensive when the protectee travels internationally. Security personnel can require airfare, hotels, meals, transportation and other expenses in addition to their regular compensation.
Trudeau stepped down as prime minister in 2025 and is no longer an MP, making his current international travel private rather than official government business.
NOW - Canada's leftist PM Justin Trudeau resigns. pic.twitter.com/JBAj2IKPbg
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) January 6, 2025
There is no suggestion Trudeau himself determines whether RCMP officers accompany him or how much protection he receives. Those decisions are made by the RCMP based on its assessment of security threats.
But taxpayers are still footing the security bill.
And with Trudeau and Perry's relationship increasingly taking them to destinations outside Canada, the cost of protecting Canada's former prime minister is following him long after his political career ended.
Sheila Gunn Reid
Chief Reporter
Sheila Gunn Reid is the Editor-in-Chief, Alberta Bureau Chief, member of the board of directors, and host of The Gunn Show at Rebel News. Sheila also serves as President of the Independent Press Gallery of Canada. A mother of three and longtime conservative activist, Sheila is the author of bestselling books, including her most recent release, Independence Blueprint: What Alberta Can Learn From Quebec.
https://mybook.to/sheilaFeatured Stories
13:43
COMMENTS
-
Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2026-08-18 23:27:28 -0400I just read that Mr. Plunger has been dubbed a “celebrity statesman” by the New York Times. (Any respect I had for that publication just evaporated. Considering how much I had before I read that, it didn’t take long.) -
Ruth Bard commented 2026-08-18 20:55:46 -0400I wouldn’t begrudge it to an ex-PM who behaved with statesman-like dignity, or even reasonable maturity. But this abomination? Infuriating.
-
Susan Ashbrook commented 2026-08-18 20:18:26 -0400I dunno, it seems that those with Liberal privelege get all kinds of taxpayer benefits after they leave office. What do the taxpayers who pay for those cushy benefits get? …the shaft?
-
Bruce Atchison commented 2026-08-18 19:58:20 -0400Once again, a Trudeau rips us off. He’ll never grow up either. He has the money for his own security but we get stuck paying. And this keeps happening too. When will the prolls rise up and revolt against this legalized form of robbery?
-
Bernhard Jatzeck commented 2026-08-18 13:51:58 -0400The Trudeaus are like a toothache that simply won’t go away. And, yes, there will be a third-generation Trudeau ruling over us proles in the future.
-
Ron Hoover commented 2026-08-18 11:55:02 -0400A sweet assignment. I’ll bet there are a lot of volunteers to guard him as he travels internationally with Katy Perry. A nice way to pay off or gather favors if you are the one making the decisions in the RCMP.
