Story perspectives

Military Travel Costs Soar 21%, Spark Spending Controversy

2/21/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Department of National Defence reported a 21% rise in military air transportation costs for Governor General Mary Simon, totaling nearly $3 million in 2024/25.
Critics, including Franco Terrazzano of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, condemned the spending as extravagant.
Expenses included a $1.3 million trip to the Middle East and a $300,000 visit to Iceland, prompting concerns about spending priorities amid reports of poor living conditions for Armed Forces personnel.

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Story summary

The Department of National Defence reported a 21% rise in military air transportation costs for Governor General Mary Simon, totaling nearly $3 million in 2024/25.
Critics, including Franco Terrazzano of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, condemned the spending as extravagant.
Expenses included a $1.3 million trip to the Middle East and a $300,000 visit to Iceland, prompting concerns about spending priorities amid reports of poor living conditions for Armed Forces personnel.