The federal government is seeking to enhance transparency in the expense program for former governors general, which has remained largely secretive for nearly five decades. Each of the five active former governors general can claim up to $206,040 annually, in addition to their pensions, with expenditures totaling $554,000 for the fiscal year ending in 2025. Criticism has arisen over the lack of public disclosure regarding how these funds are spent, as the Governor General’s office is not obligated to provide this information. Following inquiries from CBC News, Prime Minister Mark Carney indicated a commitment to investigate the program, and a spokesperson from the Privy Council Office confirmed that efforts are underway to improve transparency. Although the expense program has been scrutinized for years, particularly after significant claims by former governor general Adrienne Clarkson, past reviews and recommendations for transparency have largely gone unaddressed by the government.
Why It Matters
The expense program for former governors general was established in 1979 and allows for lifetime reimbursements related to the former office. Previous reviews highlighted a disconnect between this program and the government’s evolving standards for transparency and accountability. In 2018, a review by Alain Séguin recommended that expense details be publicly disclosed, similar to MP travel expenses, but the Trudeau government has yet to implement these changes. This lack of action has led to ongoing public concern over accountability, especially following controversies surrounding former governors general like Julie Payette, whose access to these funds has come under scrutiny.
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