A freedom of information request reveals that Metro Vancouver spent thousands of taxpayer dollars on catering and alcohol at the PNE in 2022 and 2023. The regional district defended the spending as an opportunity for elected officials to connect following COVID-19.
There are new revelations on spending at Metro Vancouver . A freedom of information request by Global News shows thousands of taxpayer dollars were spent on catering and alcohol at the PNE .The records obtained by Global News show that in 2022, the Metro Vancouver Regional District spent $17,604.76 on catering at the annual summer fair, including $4,844.95 on alcohol.In 2023, $16,440.
52 went to catering, while the cost of alcohol was unclear: the regional district said there were “no responsive records” for that request.Metro Vancouver Chief Administrative Officer Jerry Dobrovolny said “the cost of the PNE is in the order of $580,000.” In response to questions about spending in 2022 and 2023, Metro Vancouver responded that for two years it “had the opportunity to participate in the PNE Concert Series as part of its PNE sponsorship.” “The concerts were an informal way for elected officials to connect in person following COVID-19 and build the relationships necessary for making the important decisions that shape our region,” it said. It did not participate in the concert series in 2024 and said it is reviewing policies related to hosting events. “When normal taxpayers are lining up at food banks worrying about how they’re going to feed their kids at the end of the evening, it’s unacceptable for Metro Vancouver politicians and bigwigs to be blowing tens of thousands of dollars on booze and catering at the PNE,” Canadian Taxpayers Federation B.C. director Carson Binda told Global News.“This FOI triggers for me a lot more questions than it provides answers for,” he said. “It really begs the question as to whether a utility like Metro Vancouver should be spending those kinds of dollars, not only at the PNE but more broadly.” Global News has previously reported how Metro Vancouver spent $64,000 on food and alcohol at the 2023 Federation of Canadian Municipalities conferenc
Metro Vancouver PNE Taxpayer Dollars Spending Politics
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
What did Metro Vancouver spend $580K on at the PNE?A PNE spokesperson is speaking out following comments made last week by Metro Vancouver Chief Administrative Officer Jerry Dobrovolny.
Read more »
Heavy fog envelopes parts of Vancouver Island, Metro VancouverHeavy fog has enveloped parts of southwestern B.C., including parts of Vancouver Island, a day after Metro Vancouver saw near-zero visibility.
Read more »
LaSalle College Vancouver Presents: A Night to Celebrate Vancouver's ChangemakersThis year's event, presented by LaSalle College Vancouver, promises a 'standing dinner' with a variety of food and drink options, including meal stations, grazing boards, and passed canapes. The evening will honor 50 influential changemakers and induct new members into the Hall of Fame, with special recognition for 'Ones to Watch.' Don't miss your chance to be part of this legendary night.
Read more »
10 Gifts for Men Who Live in Vancouver - Vancouver MagazineIt turns out that “gifts for men” is one of the most-searched […]
Read more »
7 Must-Try Holiday Desserts in Vancouver - Vancouver MagazineIn general, we’re pretty pro “treat yourself” at Vanmag and this goes […]
Read more »
Metro Vancouver travellers can discover hidden gems in this sun-soaked tropical destinationSpend time at the beach and discover lesser-known spots in the vibrant big city.
Read more »