Government to review funding for former governors general, Trudeau says


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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he’ll reconsider the perks and supports Canada gives former governors general.


The federal government’s books show that Adrienne Clarkson, who was governor general from 1999 to 2005, has billed more than $1 million in expenses since leaving the job.


“We are going to take a look at what best practices would be in terms of supporting people who’ve served Canada in the viceregal capacity,” Trudeau told reporters in Ottawa Wednesday morning.  


“These are people who’ve stepped up and offered a tremendous service to this country,” he said. “Canadians expect a certain level of transparency and accountability, and we’re going to make sure we’re moving forward in a thoughtful way.”


Watch Prime Minister Trudeau promise to review supports for former governors general



Besides their pensions, former governors general can get public funding for office expenses and travel. The program has existed since 1979, on the premise that governors general never truly retire.


Clarkson has billed more than $100,000 to the government nine times in the 13 years since she left Rideau Hall on Sept. 27, 2005.


That’s the threshold for reporting the billings publicly in the annual Public Accounts, a detailed report on government spending.


Trudeau says people who serve as governor general offer great service to Canada and deserve support in the years after they retire, but Canadians expect accountability and transparency when public money is spent.


He says the government will try to do better at meeting both goals.



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