Taxpayers stuck with $389K-and-rising bill for Arbour swearing-in
Rideau Hall says invoices are still outstanding as installation costs surpass Mary Simon’s ceremony by more than $200,000
The price tag for Governor General Louise Arbour’s swearing-in ceremonies has reached nearly $389,000, and taxpayers have not yet received the final bill.
Cabinet figures first reported by Blacklock’s Reporter show confirmed expenses of $388,733. The government acknowledged the total will continue to grow.
“Costs associated with the installation of the Governor General are still being finalized,” cabinet said in an Inquiry of Ministry tabled in the House of Commons. “Many invoices are still outstanding.”
Known expenses include $19,450 for a luncheon at Rideau Hall, $16,000 to move Arbour, $15,000 for Ottawa police traffic services and $7,000 for the RCMP Musical Ride.
The National Capital Commission spent another $65,000, primarily to prepare and equip the Governor General’s official living quarters.
The figures were disclosed in response to an order paper question from Conservative MP Kelly McCauley, who represents Edmonton West.
The mounting bill comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney promised his government would control spending and make difficult fiscal decisions.
“These are tough times,” Carney told the Liberal caucus in September 2025, promising to streamline government operations and reduce costs for Canadians.
Arbour’s installation has already cost more than twice the $171,800 spent on Mary Simon’s swearing-in in 2021, although that event was scaled down because of pandemic restrictions.
The 2017 installation of Julie Payette cost $649,008, including nearly $168,000 for a cocktail reception at the Canadian Museum of History. David Johnston’s 2010 ceremony cost $210,703, while Adrienne Clarkson’s 1999 installation cost $450,850.
The modern record remains Michaëlle Jean’s 2005 investiture, which cost taxpayers $1.3 million and included a state dinner.
The disclosure follows separate documents showing the Crown-owned Business Development Bank paid CBC personality Rick Mercer $330,000 for an advertising campaign.
In Ottawa, apparently even fiscal restraint requires a large event budget.
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.
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