Canada’s ‘Guest of Honour’ Sponsorship of 2021 German Book Fair Cost Over $18 Million: Audit

Gov. Gen. Mary Simon delivers a keynote address at the Canadian Bar Association’s Aboriginal Law conference in Ottawa on May 11, 2023. The Canadian Press/Spencer Colby

The federal government paid over $18 million in 2021 for it’s “guest of honour” sponsorship of that year’s Frankfurt Book Fair, according to a newly disclosed federal audit. Gov. Gen. Mary Simon attended the fair with over 30 guests.

“The Department of Canadian Heritage incurred costs of approximately $17.5 million in connection with its responsibilities,” said the department’s “Audit Of Frankfurt Book Fair Controls,” as first reported by Blacklock’s Reporter.