Every three years, the Monarchist League of Canada commissions a survey on the cost of Canada’s Constitutional Monarchy. The survey provides a wealth of information about exactly where the money goes, and how much bang taxpayers are getting for their buck.
The most recent issue of this triennial survey came out last week, and the results are encouraging. The overall cost, per Canadian, of Canada’s monarchy in 2011-2012 was $1.63! That figure does not include the special one-time expenses incurred for the celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which, if factored in, bring the per capita total to $1.85.
Our hardworking Lieutenant Governor, Graydon Nicholas, shines in the section of Lieutenant Governors. He attends and hosts more events that most other provincial vice-regals, and does so for less than any of his colleagues (even his PEI counterpart!). His total all-inclusive expenses for 2011-2012 were $507,687.80 This includes a Provincial contribution of $318,500. The rest of the costs (including His Honour’s salary) were covered by the Federal Treasury.
In 2012, monarchists received a fair amount of flack about the costs associated with the Royal Tour by TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall. The overall costs for that Tour came out to $649,538, or just 2 cents per Canadian! The 2011 Tour by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge cost Canadians just 4 cents each, and the 2010 Tour by The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, 6 cents each.
All members will be receiving a copy of this survey in the mail very soon. Others are welcome to check out a digital copy on the Monarchist League's website.
Loyally Yours,
Barry R. MacKenzie