Energy might have been the big topic of conversation when Canada’s premiers met in Halifax this summer, but it seems someone walked away with more than just ideas.

Documents obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) through the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act (FOIPOP) reveals thousands of dollars in crystal whiskey tumblers, sailboat dishes, clothes and leather journals were expensed by the Nova Scotia government during the Premier’s Conference held in Halifax July 25-27, 2012.

“Nova Scotians pay some of highest taxes in all of Canada, yet our politicians act like there is money to burn,” says Kevin Lacey, Atlantic Canada Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

Some of the items that were expensed include:

• $1,625 for 25 Cheese Boards (with beeswax) – Larchwood Enterprises
• $1,653 for 38 Whiskey Tumblers in Titanic design  - Nova Scotia Crystal
• $35,654.35 for 400 Microfibre jackets – Mee Fashions of Saskatoon
• $780 for 13 Sailboat Dishes – Kiln Art
• $1,875 for 25 Diamond Jubilee Leather Journals Limited Edition – L&M Highland Outfitters
• $675 for 27 Porcupine Quill Brooches – Little Arrow’s Porcupine Quill Jewelry
• $4,940 for 26 - Taste of Nova Scotia Crates

The total budget for the meeting was $110,054.90. The Council of the Federation paid for $72,691.57, while the Nova Scotia government’s share was $37,363.33.

A copy of the budget can be found HERE.

Some of the premier’s expenses for hospitality (food and drinks) are not included in this budget. Lobbyists, big corporations and interest groups with deep pockets paid another $225,000 to wine and dine the Premiers, their staff and other delegates to the meetings.  

Irving Shipbuilding who received $304 million in grants and loans from Nova Scotia taxpayers were one of those paying for the Premier’s meeting. 

But the obvious question is: why do Canada’s premiers need fancy crystal glasses, brand new jackets and leather journals to have a productive meeting?

“Some of these items billed back to taxpayers are just plain odd,” adds Lacey. “Why are taxpayers shelling out for swag and gifts for Canada’s Premiers. Our politicians should treat taxpayers money like its their own, that means rather than spending thousands on expensive loot bags, they should set the example and govern frugally.”