Canada’s ambassador for climate change racks up travel expenses

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Canada’s ambassador for climate change has charged $254,000 in travel expenses in less than two years on the job.

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Catherine Stewart billed for stays at luxury hotels ranging up to $623 a night, according to Blacklock’s Reporter, citing access to information records.

Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault appointed Stewart to the role on Aug. 2, 2022, saying she had done “exemplary work” as assistant deputy environment minister.

According to Blacklock’s, from day one Stewart went on international trips including to Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam, Bali, Beijing, Bern, Brasilia, Brussels, Cairo, Copenhagen, Delhi, Florence, Geneva and Helsinki.

She also visited Istanbul, Kinshasa, Leipzig, Lisbon, London, Milan, Mumbai, Munich, New York City, Paris, Rome, Sao Paulo, Sharm El-Sheikh, Vienna, Washington and Zurich.

Expenses included business class airfare, and she travelled by air even when train service was available.

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Last year she flew from Ottawa to Toronto to attend a climate conference “to promote Canada’s clean growth.” The trip cost $10,096 including airfare and $323 a night at the Sheraton Centre Hotel.

Stewart also routinely flew from Ottawa to New York City rather than take the train, and the records show she frequently stayed at luxury hotels.

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Her charges included the Hotel Mercure in Rome at $390 per night, Hotel Maria Theresia in Vienna at $454 per night, and Amsterdam’s Manor Hotel at $551 per night.

In 2023, Stewart stayed at London’s Club Quarters Hotel at Trafalgar Square for $412 a night during a trip for “carbon pricing outreach.”

“In-person outreach was required to have candid conversations,” wrote the department, adding travel was required to “showcase Canada’s leadership.”

A 2023 visit to Berlin was also deemed essential. “Ambassador Stewart engaged in outreach to advance the Prime Minister’s global carbon pricing challenge,” wrote the department.

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