Montreal, QC: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling Prime Minister Mark Carney to cut the governor general’s budget in the wake of new polling from Leger polling.

“Nearly half of Canadians believe the governor general’s budget is too big and should be reduced,” said Nicolas Gagnon, Quebec Director for the CTF. “When families are struggling with rising prices, it’s wrong to rubberstamp budget increases for a completely ceremonial office.”

According to its latest annual report, the governor general’s office spent $36 million in 2023-24. 

The governor general receives a $378,000 salary, a taxpayer-funded clothing allowance, a lifetime pension of about $150,000 annually and a $200,000 annual expense account even after leaving office.

The Leger poll asked Canadians what should happen to the governor general’s budget and found that:

• 49 per cent want to reduce the Governor General’s budget
• 19 per cent would keep it the same
• 13 per cent want to increase it
• 19 per cent are unsure

Among those with an opinion, nearly 60 per cent of Canadians favour a reduction.

“The governor general already receives a massive salary, lives in a taxpayer-funded mansion, flies on private jets and still gets a six-figure annual expense account after retirement,” Gagnon said. “Canadians are sending the prime minister a clear message: enough is enough.”

To view the poll results, click here.