OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is calling on the federal government to end the governor general’s $130,000 clothing allowance following the release of government documents showing Mary Simon billed taxpayers thousands for shoes and clothing.

“Simon takes a $378,000 salary from taxpayers, she can pay for her own clothes,” said Franco Terrazzano, CTF Federal Director. “Many Canadians are actually stressed about the price of clothing and they shouldn’t have to pay for the governor general’s wardrobe.”

Simon billed taxpayers $7,576 for clothing between Jan. 25, 2024, and March 4, 2025, according to government documents released in response to an order paper question. Simon’s clothing expenses include:

• $2,510 on luxury wool suits
• $1,500 on a “sealskin chest piece”
• $1,117 on six pairs of shoes
• $875 on a blazer
• $495 on a dress
• $475 on a coat
• $330 on two silk camisoles
• $130 on a top
• $144 on a “black dress cardigan”

Blacklock’s Reporter originally broke the story about the governor general’s latest clothing expenses.

Government policy allows governors general to expense up to $130,000 in clothing purchases over their five-year mandate.

Governors general Julie Payette and Mary Simon previously expensed more than $88,000 in clothing that they get to keep. Expenses include a $680 “top,” $590 dress pants, a $160 scarf and $1,064 on boots. 

“While some of the items were worn for specific ceremonies connected to the governor general’s role, many others appear to be clothing for personal or day-to-day business use,” according to the National Post.

It’s very rare for a minister or prime minister to expense clothing. Only two ministers expensed apparel last year — each less than $300 for work boots for an event at a construction site. 

The governor general’s annual salary is $378,000. The governor general’s salary increased $75,200 since 2019.

“The government should have reined in Rideau Hall’s out-of-control spending years ago,” Terrazzano said. “If Prime Minister Mark Carney is serious about saving money, then he would cut the governor general’s extravagant expenses, pay and perks.”

Carney is requiring government departments, agencies and Crown corporation find up to 15 per cent savings by 2028, according to media reports.