Newly released government figures reveal that the Liberal government spent close to $3 million for Canadian delegates to attend the 2023 COP28 climate conference in Dubai, more than double the amount previously disclosed.
The revised costs, detailed in a May 6 government response to a query by Conservative MP Dan Mazier, include $825,000 for transportation, $472,000 for accommodations, and $295,000 for meals and incidentals for the 182 attendees. Additionally, $1.3 million was allocated to the Canadian pavilion, which hosted events showcasing Canadian green technology and international support initiatives.
The total expenses reached $2,954,188, but the government notes that this figure may not be final as some invoices and claims are still being processed. Previous government reports had indicated a significantly lower cost of $1,353,307 for COP28.
Among the expenses were costs for various hotels, including over $200,000 for rooms at Delta Hotels by Marriott Dubai and $195,000 for rooms at Premier Inn Hotels LLC. The documents also detail gifts given to international figures, such as a $130 wooden bowl for the United Arab Emirates’ Special Envoy for Climate Change.
The expenses for Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault alone totaled $13,239, with $4,461 for accommodation and $2,262 for meals and incidentals.
COP28, which drew delegates from almost 200 countries, resulted in an agreement to transition away from fossil fuels by 2050, a more ambitious goal than previous net-zero commitments.
