Toronto, ON - November 26, 2009 - Data
released Thursday on the cost of the recent eleven day
visit by Prince Charles and Camilla, revealing an
astonishing orgy of excess and extravagance, is proof
that the monarchy is not just a cultural and political
burden on Canada, it's a fiscal one as well.
According to documents released through access to
information, Canadian taxpayers forked over an estimated
$2.57 million to host the royal couple, roughly $234,000
per day.
Costs included $12,500 per night for hotel
accommodations, $40,000 to design a website specifically
for the visit, $320,000 for communications and media
staff and $630,000 for salaries for royal visit staff.
"It's time to address the absurdity of financially
supporting two heads of state," said Tom Freda,
spokesperson for Citizens for a Canadian Republic.
"We
already have a functional head of state in the governor
general, whose operating costs are comparable, per
capita, with that of ceremonial presidencies in
republics like Ireland and Germany," said Freda.
"Having to pay the cost of a second head of state, the
Queen, including hosting PR visits by her entire family,
is unacceptable, especially in these times of economic
restraint.
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