"Oh wasn't that a party! Could've been the whiskey. Might've been the gin. Could've been the three or four six-packs, I don't know, but look at the mess I'm in..." (A popular Irish Rovers tune for those who haven't heard it.)
That's the first song that comes to mind when I read a news story like this. It's not that I'm opposed to a good party, or that this is a massive expense in the grand scheme of things, but does it always have to be on OUR dime? Especially when we're never invited?
Canada's Finance Minister Jim Flaherty recently played host to a two day retreat that reportedly cost taxpayers more than $16,000. Almost $7,000 went towards meals AND wine. About $8,000 went to facilities and rentals and still more went towards travel and accommodation. Granted, the people running things need to meet and have discussions, but is a two day party with a few discussions in between really necessary?
What I find interesting also, is the recent meeting of minds was put on for Canada's Brain Trust Association - those responsible for being leaders when it comes to brain injury prevention and awareness - and Flaherty had to personally approve the hospitality expenses (which included the wine) because they exceeded the allotted $5,000 set out by government policy. Hmmm...
Participants were treated to breakfast, lunches, dinner and a reception - the costs of which all exceeded government policy.
"These gatherings provide an opportunity for the minister to get advice outside of government," said a spokeperson for the minister. "These Canadians deal with real problems every day and we want to hear from them... Having a glass or two of wine over dinner at the end of the night is normal for such gatherings."
I deal with real problems everyday. I enjoy the odd glass of wine with dinner. How about a little input from the average Joe?
Gathering information, having conversations, collaborating and listening are all important keys to success, I wholeheartedly agree, but really, couldn't an afternoon session have sufficed?
At a time of economic uncertainty, job loss and poverty for many Canadians, surely we could take a little more care with spending in the right places.
