Settling down with a mug of coffee and a copy of the National Post while aboard a government aircraft will soon be a thing of the past, according to new measures aimed at cutting the costs of VIP travel.
Released late last month, responses to questions regarding the Governor General’s travel arrangements from the House standing committee on government operations show the Royal Canadian Air Force will be doing away with amenities such as in-flight flower arrangements, wide non-alcoholic drink choices, reusable drinkware in the main cabin, and inflight newspapers and magazines. Expenditures included $230 in flower arrangements, nearly $1,000 in boxed water, $110 for four liters of apple juice, $526 for a redacted quantity of lemons and limes, and $552 for a redacted amount of ice.
“The Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) provides safe, secure, and reliable air transport for Government officials, either in Canada or abroad,” read DND’s response on cost-cutting measures.
“National Defence takes its responsibility as a steward of public funds seriously and is committed to minimizing flight costs while ensuring that safety standards, as well as operational mission requirements, are met.”
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