Question Period Note: VVIP Flights and Use of Government Aircraft

Why is this Government using scarce Canadian Armed Forces resources to transport senior officials at such a high cost to taxpayers?

• The Royal Canadian Air Force provides safe and secure travel to locations in Canada and abroad for Ministers, the Prime Minister, and the Governor General as required.
• As with any flight, costs are incurred related to catering, especially in international locations, as well as other fees such as airport and local taxes, administrative fees, and security charges.
• We are working with our key partners, such as Global Affairs Canada to ensure that flight costs are minimized, and we have already taken important steps to reduce costs for catering and supplies.
• National Defence continues to take seriously its responsibility as a steward of public funds, and we are committed to being as transparent as possible in our reporting.

Order Paper Questions on VVIP Flights

• On November 6, 2023, it is anticipated the response to two Order Paper Questions related to VVIP flights will be tabled in the House of Commons:
  • Q-1736 on Polaris Flights since May 1, 2023; and
  • Q-1737 on Challenger Flights since May 1, 2023.

• In the response to Q-1736 (Polaris Flights), there are two international flights that included the Prime Minister and a supporting delegation of 50+ passengers, requiring a greater number of meals. Costs were further increased due to the exchange rate and higher prices in Asia and Europe where the food was purchased.

  House Standing Committee on Government Operations and Estimates (OGGO)

• On September 22, 2022, LGen Eric Kenny, Commander of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF), alongside Stewart Wheeler, Chief of Protocol, Global Affairs Canada, and Christine MacIntyre, Deputy Secretary, Policy, Program and Protocol Branch, Office of the Governor General’s Secretary, appeared before OGGO to discuss expenditures related to the Governor Generals’ trip to the Middle East.

• This appearance stemmed from a motion for the committee to undertake a study of the expenditure of nearly $100,000 in public funds for the Office of the Governor General of Canada for catering services during an eight-day tour of the Middle East in March 2022.
• During the appearance LGen Kenny noted that in addition to air defence and search and rescue, one of the RCAF’s missions is to provide safe and secure travel for VVIPs including the Royal Family, the Governor General, and the Prime Minister. This includes:
  • Supplying pilots and crew;
  • Maintaining security and safety in-flight;
  • Determining logistics with foreign countries and air traffic controls;
  • Pre-positioning aircraft if required, conducting fueling, and maintenance; and
  • Working with Global Affairs to select menus and provide catering.

• LGen Kenny also highlighted that, in compliance with air safety regulations, and to ensure the safety of members and crew, RCAF flight stewards verify that all catering services meet Canadian food safety standards and that any food brought onto the flight is safe for consumption.

  Committee report on VVIP Flights

• On October 4th, 2023, the Committee tabled a report on Travel expenditures related to the office of the Governor General’s secretary since 2014 at the House of Commons during routine proceedings.

• The report included 13 general recommendations focusing on interdepartmental/agency coordination, catering costs, proactive reporting, and budgeting for Governor General’s expenses.
• The Conservative Party of Canada provided a supplementary opinion calling to reform the Governor General’s pension to match the pension of Members of Parliament, the end of the clothing and expense allowances, and legislate reporting requirements including disclosing financial statements.
• The Bloc Québécois provided a dissenting report calling on the Governor General’s position to be abolished.
• Pursuant to Standing Order 109, the committee has requested a government response to the report.

Quick Facts

Other use of the aircraft: The Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft fulfill critical roles for the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces, and the Government of Canada, including secure and reliable transport for Government officials when requested.

Use of VIP transport

• DND provides secure VIP transport at the request of the Government.

• Global Affairs Canada provides DND with passenger lists and destinations for trips

  • As the owners of aircraft assets, DND organizes the air travel logistics for reaching the requested destination.
    

    Selection of Flight Menu

• The RCAF flight steward coordinates the menu with the Global Affairs Canada Protocol Office.

• Once the final menu has been approved by the GAC Protocol Office, the Squadron then places the order with the appropriate caterers.

  Catering costs include:

• The cost of food, non-alcoholic beverages, and associated fees, including catering handling and delivery, storage, cleaning and disposal of international waste, airport taxes, administrative fees, security charges, and local taxes.

• Catering costs are driven by available catering options at airports globally.

  Recent Measures

• In 2019, the percentage of contingency catering (i.e., the percentage of additional meals purchased to account for passenger choice or spoilage) for VVIP flights was reduced to 65% to reduce cost and waste. In 2022, the percentage was again reduced, this time to 20%.

• Additionally, in 2020, linen service (which included linen napkins, glassware, plates and cutlery) was reduced to include only the VVIP(s) with all other passengers receiving the standard tray and plastic cutlery.
• In fall 2022, GAC and the RCAF agreed to the following measures to reduce costs:
  • VVIP members are to be provided 2 meal choices, while remaining passengers are given a single meal option.
  • Meals are to be ordered a la carte from caterer’s menus with the goal of having limited to no changes.
  • As much as feasible, while complying with health and safety protocols, snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are procured in Canada for the entire trip. Snacks will be procured abroad at local grocery stores if needed.