More than $1M spent on VIP flights for Natynczyk since 2008

During a press conference in Saskatoon, Prime Minister Stephen Harper says he and other MPs reimburse the Treasury when using government aircraft for personal use, and the government will look into reports that Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walt Natynczyk used VIP aircraft without paying.

Power Play: Pat Martin and Laurie Hawn

NDP MP Pat Martin and Conservative MP Laurie Hawn discuss the Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walt Natynczyk's expensive travel cost. Martin says he wonders where the oversight could have occurred since memos have gone out on the proper use of aircrafts.

Power Play: David Bercuson, historian

A military historian with the Canadian Defence and Foreign Affairs Institute says Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walt Natynczyk needs to figure out with Stephen Harper when it is acceptable to use a private jet, and he should receive the benefit of the doubt.

CTV News Channel: Don Martin on the allegation

The host of CTV's Power Play says he suspects the chief of defence staff will write a cheque for so-called personal use of government jets.

Canada AM: Robert Fife on the expenses

CTV's Ottawa bureau chief says there are questions as to why the chief of defence used Challenger jets for personal use, and explains how a statement in defence of the actions says Natynczyk uses commercial flights 'whenever possible.'

CTV News: Robert Fife with the exclusive

A CTV investigation shows General Walter Natynczyk, head of the Canadian Armed Forces, used VIP to the tune of over $1 million since 2008.

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Chief of Defence Staff General Walt Natynczyk sings the national anthem at the conclusion of the inaugural Operational Service Medal presentation at Rideau Hall in Ottawa, Monday, Dec. 6, 2010. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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CTV News Ottawa Bureau Chief Robert Fife and Field Producer Philip Ling

Date: Thu. Sep. 15 2011 11:17 PM ET

OTTAWA — Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Walt Natynczyk has spent more than $1 million since 2008 flying on government VIP aircraft as an expensive alternative to regular commercial flights -- travelling to sporting events and fundraising dinners, as well as a trip to join his family on a cruise vacation in the Caribbean.

Passenger logs obtained by CTV News under the Access to Information Act show that in January 2010, Natynczyk used a CC-144 Challenger to fly to St. Maarten Island in the Caribbean to begin a vacation. He attended a repatriation ceremony a day earlier in Trenton, Ont., and missed his flight for a cruise holiday with his family.

The VIP aircraft flew Natynczyk to St. Maarten on January 4, the log showed. After dropping the defence chief off for his vacation, the jet left the island 75 minutes later -- empty -- to return to its base in Ottawa.

The Challenger cost $10,104 per flying hour to operate in 2009/2010, National Defence figures show. At 9.2 hours, the return trip between the St. Maarten Island and Canada cost $92,956.80.

Natynczyk is in Europe this week for a NATO meeting and was unavailable to comment.

His spokesman, Lt.-Col. Norbert Cyr, defended the cost, saying in a written statement that Natynczyk "was authorized to use a Challenger aircraft to join his family, who were already sailing aboard a cruise ship in the Caribbean."

The trip, Cyr says, was "not deemed to be a personal trip as the vacation delay was service-related."

Natynczyk's spokesman added that the trip allowed the defence chief to spend Christmas with his family for the first time in three years.

Trips to NHL, CFL games

The defence documents also show that more than $1 million was spent transporting Natynczyk to National Hockey League and Canadian Football League games, as well as fundraising dinners and galas in major cities across Canada.

On January 3, 2009, Natynczyk, his wife Leslie, and their children John, Margaret and William flew to Toronto from Ottawa for a Toronto Maple Leafs game in appreciation of the military. The family performed the ceremonial puck drop at the Leafs' third annual Canadian Forces Appreciation Night.

The flight for the family -- less than an hour each way -- cost $23,231.30.

A return Air Canada flight is $1,303.17 on executive class.

$395,655.90 was spent going to six NHL games over three years, CTV's analysis of the documents show, and another $336,710.60 going to CFL games, including $121,550.70 for a trip to the 2010 Grey Cup in Edmonton.

NDP MP Pat Martin says Natynczyk's decision to use the VIP aircraft to the sporting events is "appalling."

"Nobody would question the chief of our Armed Forces for flying around on military business," Martin told CTV News in Quebec City. "But you'd have to wonder, 'Is it worth $100,000 for us to have a general make a guest appearance at a hockey game?' "

Natynczyk's office says in a statement that it is "important to note that (Natynczyk) attends official Canadian Forces Appreciation events and official ceremonies on behalf of the Canadian Forces."

He "makes every effort to use commercial flights whenever available and where his official travel schedule permits," the statement says.

While commercial airlines fly to the destinations Natynczyk travelled to, "commercial travel often doesn't provide the flexibility (he) needed."

The Challenger jets have also taken Natynczyk to military fundraisers throughout Canada over the last two years.

Among others, his flight to attend the Support Our Troops Gala in Edmonton in September 2009 cost $79,822.

Flights for Natynczyk to attend three dinners held by the True Patriot Love Foundation totalled more than $170,000: $19,198 in 2009 and $25,062 in 2010 in Toronto, and $127,816 in Vancouver this March.

Taxpayers also paid more than $200,000 for Natynczyk and his wife to fly from Ottawa to the Calgary Stampede in 2010.

Records showed that the Challenger dropped him off in Calgary, flew back empty to Ottawa hours later, and then returned to Calgary three days later -- empty again -- to pick them up.

Unlike the prime minister and the governor general, the chief of the defence staff is not required to fly on a Challenger jet for security reasons.

Natynczyk's office contends that he is working with his command team during the travel time in a Challenger, which includes a secure communication link while in the air.

There are six aircraft in the CC-144 Challenger fleet of twin-engine, long-range executive jets operated by the air force.

Comments are now closed for this story

Acorn 127
said

He is a target like the PM and GG. Any anarchist/extremist would love to be able to say it was their group that took him out. People lets be real here, he is a target. He cannot conduct classified business on a regular cell phone/airphone.

JoanneJ
said

It would be far better to take a first class commercial flight to these hockey games fund raisers and donate the money that would have been spent on a private flight. This is just wasteful use of the Canadian tax dollar. As for a family vacation, I have worked a number Christmas' away from my only child. It was hard to do but that's the price you sometimes have to pay for employment No one ever offered to pay my way home so I could spend the holiday's with family. He has a job that he knew in advance would mean sacrifices for family life. So as they tell others in the military just suck it up. My cousin in RCN and army special forces. He has missed many important events in his sons life. He knew when he joined the navy duty came first and family life second So the general should accept it like the rest of the armed forces have to do all the time.

moodyB
said

..and that's the way our money goes..pop goes the weasel!!!

Yukoner
said

From the sounds of it a lot of our citizens would be happy if the CDS of Canada drove up in a Honda civic or flew economy class to official functions. I can just picture that happening with American or British top military brass. The man in this position represents the top of the Canadian military and if we can't afford to pick up the tap for a few plane trips on airplanes that we own anyways the country might as well be shut down. This is Canada for crying out loud, not some little banana republic that can't afford gas for a plane ride. Also, don't these airforce pilots need training flights to keep thier licenses and skills up to date anyways? The squawking of the press and my fellow citizens is embarrassing at times.

ted
said

My job caused me to have to work a day later than expected and I had booked a cruise with my family also. But I had the foresight to have cancellation insurance, which cost 100 dollars, and I was able to book another cruise a day later. No citation jet flight for me. SO how come he could not do the same especially since he has all kinds of staff doing his running around. And I am also sure there would have been another high ranking officer that would need brownie points to take his place at a duty call. Seems to me some BIG heads should roll off this one.

Jack Sparrow in ONT
said

I have read all the 100 plus comments (at this time of writing) and wish to alter my opinion. Previously I acknowledged the high cost of travel, but railled against, what appeared to be abuse. I now believe that this is a non-issue. Firstly, I like the comment that we don't nor shouldn't run our high profile affairs, like a penny pinching Wal-Mart Management program. Secondly, the million dollars is not a real number, nor is the 10K per hour cost. It's a number crunching exercise. As someone said, apart from fuel, this is one arm paying the other. I now prefer to simply say, "Thankyou for your service Mr. Natynczyk"

JJ
said

The CDS has a great deal of integrity and consistently conducts himself appropriately and with commitment to our military. I would like to give the General the benefit of the doubt and assume that the Challenger is often the only option available and, considering the number of staff he needs to travel with, is likely an appropriate choice. I am so tired of people commenting on issues they know nothing about.

Mark in London
said

I'm more interested to know why the plane costs $10 grand per hour...........Hourly wages for a flight crew and maintenence staff can't be more than $500. Fuel maybe $1000 per hour? We should own the plane and it's not like the military pays insurance on the thing, so where does the other $8000 or so come from? Anybody know?

AC in NB
said

Other than the cost of fuel, wouldn't this be like transfering money from one of your own accounts to another? Doesn't seem as bad as it's made out to be.

marcelg
said

What is the problem? I can think of a lot more waste then this and besides, todays news on waste is forgotten tomorrow. Come CTV, lets hear more about what Ontarians really think of McTaxman and not the Pollsters.

ginvunot
said

The calculations used in the article are a bit flawed. The cost of approx $10k per flying hour was derived by taking the total annual costs of the plane divided by the hours flown. If the plane remains on the ground cost are still incurred (depreciation, maintenance, hangar space etc). I would even venture that the flight crew is paid no matter if the plane is flown or not. What would be a better number to use is the incremental cost of flying the jet. This would include fuel, landing fees, maintenance due to flight hours, overtime for the flight crew etc.) This would be a much more modest number and in some case might be more cost effective than commercial flights.

arteest
said

Good on ya, CTV!! Since CBC has become, let's just say less objective, CTV seems to be gettin' in there for the real news. Thanks!

Bruce
said

This CDS is an honorable man. I know for a fact that when he was VCDS he took the bus to work with the rest of us commuting to Ottawa from the burbs. Why do people always have to be negative about the government? If we all knew a little of what this man has done for our country, like other well meaning public service personnel, would the negative writers still exist? Why are public service people always vilified when they do such great things for our country? Also, think about the other uses of these flights, pilot training and yearly flying hours needed to maintain their jobs, there is more to this story than flying empty planes.

paul arseneault
said

We are living in a world where soilders are paid next to nothing and the brass are apparently paid too much. The top of the ladder of any business or institution do what they can get away with, in this case obvious abuse of funds were used. Red Cross Canada makes 3 billion a year selling Canadian doner blood over seas! Blood isn't rare after all, knowledge of these thing's is improtant.

Len
said

To CdnArtyWife:I guess what you are saying is that we should never have elections. We should just give Harper the key to Canada to do as he wishes. I guess no leader should ever die as that costs money. Giving Layton the funeral he got would have been criticized either way so Harper was in a precarious position.

Rick in NB
said

OK, he pays for his own vacation trip. Then gets delayed for pressing (and honourable) reason. Something tells me that if he had flown to the vacation, then been picked up by a challenger jet to come back for this duty, then returned, these "how else can I stir up the public" press wouldn't have bothered with the story.Sheesh. No story here, move on . . .

A grateful nation
said

A million since 2008? That's peanuts when spread over almost three years. The one example given is when he had to join his family in St.Maarten due to attending a repatriation ceremony, in my opinion I respect the fact that he stayed behind for the repatriation ceremony in the first place. I imagine that for a person in his position vacations are far and few, especially now while dealing with Afghanistan. Give the guy a break and some apreciation for the job he does.

jjaycee
said

More whining and rediculous reactionary comments. More of the "if I don't get a benefit from this then no one else should either"He is to a busy man! He has to be within just a couple hours away from headquarters if needed. Anyone who has ever flown a Commercial flight in Canada knows all about unexplained delays, weather delays and cancellations, security delays when some lame brain tries acting cute.He has to be seen with his family and he has to be seen supporting the lifestyle of Canadians-including attending Hockey Games. He was introduced to the crowd at Stampede and got a standing ovation. Obviously that was good for morale of our citizens and any troops there while on leave.Another expense that would be incurred with using Commercial; flights is dozens of Hotel Bills and meals. It may actually be cheaper to use resources we are paying for whether they fly or not.

Rory
said

It's only a million dollars. People talk about a million dollars like it's the 1930s. I'd bearly be able to retire right now if you handed me a million dollars. It's not that much money, bridge in Brandon cost 28 MILLION dollars to build, now it's a nice bridge but it is just a divided 4 lane bridge.

morality?
said

He should have some moral responsibility in reducing his expenses. Someone who wastes that much taxpayer's money on flights doesn't have a conscience

I fly, but I pay.
said

I fly for many meetings and events throughout the course of a year. I pay out-of-pocket as they are not a requirement, but a professional expectation that I stay engaged in the community. I don't have a problem with it. I get paid more than enough to cover such expenses. As does he. As an aside, I do not believe dropping the puck at a hockey game is a requirement of his job. Such appearances are plentiful and optional. He should pay for his own weekend getaways.

makes sense
said

people who get paid obscene amounts of money should not get free flights, especially by a private jet.

Me me me
said

It's telling that a lot of people use capital letters in their comments: it shows exasperation and strong opinions on the subject.As the top commander, he gets to run his own show, his own agenda. Fair enough. He got there on his own merit and we should not trivialize his work, sacrifices and contributions. I think that this is not a bad thing that this is coming out. There are other top people in similar positions who incur similar expenses. Instead of blaming the guy directly, who took advantage of what is offered to him, what should be looked into is alternatives whereby there is something made available between an Air Canada executive class airfare at $1,300 dollars versus an aircraft that cost $9,200/hour. There has to be a better way. Also, cost should not always be the main factor but it is one nonetheless so a review as to when it is most appropriate to use a military aircraft and when it is not should be done to avoid embarrasing situation such as this article. I don't believe in the "he's allowed so it's ok to do it" opinion. And I don't buy into the "100s of millions is wasted on programs annually so let's not quibble over 1 million" (was that you again Mr Pye.Chart? How refreshing!!). Whether you agree with some federal programs or not does not translate into money being wasted. And reviews over programs are done all the time. And the programs in place are there for a reason. And if there is waste, well let's look into them and improve them or scrap them. That "Ottawa wastes money" line has become so old... Provide concrete examples such as which programs (s), where? when? how much exactly? facts?Analysis! Impact!

simple solution
said

simple answer - use commerical flights! If it doesn't fit into your schedule then either you can't do it or you must change your schedule!!

CdnArtyWife
said

I get a kick outta how many people are quick to bytch and complain about the CDS's travel expenses. Does no one recall the recent slew of Federal Elections we've all had to pay for in the past 10 years? Most of those Federal Elections were forced on us by the Liberals and NDP playing the school yard game of "If I can't win, I don't wanna play...let's take it to a vote"

PAH-LEEZ!

I'd rather see "great investigative journalism" look into the expense accounts of our honorable Members of Parliament and Senators.

You wanna complain about how our hard-earned tax dollars are spent? Read the Federal Budget...you'll find a lot more frivolous spending than the CDS's travel expenses (which are expected and accounted for).

Oh...and don't forget Mr. Layton's State Funeral....never before has a Leader of Opposition had a State Funeral (normally reserved for Governors General and Prime Ministers)...that was some fancy shindig that we all emptied our pockets for!!

ryan
said

this money comes out of the defence budget, so in a way the military is shooting themselves in the foot, so this money is already allocated to the military, if anything the military should be displeased because it takes away from equipment, supplies and training, so dont go all crazy with saying its appauling, its just using money already sanctioned to be used by the military.

militarywife43
said

As a military wife with a young family, It upsets me to see this "YES" man getting away with this. Our service men and women have yet to see their raises this year. If Hillier was still in this posting our troops would have least been notified of their increases or if they are not getting one. This "yes" man hasn't even sent out a canfor message to let our troops know. Cost of living goes up, we move our families when we are told, Reserve positions being cut, Quality of life is being affected. It hurts me to think that this General is wasting monies and our soldiers are being treated like this. BTW his tenure is supposed to be over!!! Why is he still there????

Dave
said

I agree with most of the comments supporting the travel requirements but flying him to the Caribbean so he can spend Christmas with his family is a little much. Having recently retired from the military myself and having done multiple tours over seas, I have never been offered a $93,000 vacation to link up with my family after spending a few holidays away from them. We were always told to �suck it up and this is what you signed up for�. As it is, we have been waiting almost 16 months to get reimburse for flights that my wife and I had to pay out of pocket for our final house hunting trip and for my wife and new baby�s final move flights. Seeing this on the news today, comes as yet another slap in the face as to the difference between those making policy and the ones left to enforce them.

Southwest Sue
said

Must be a slow news week at CTV if this is considered news. This is the highest ranking miltary officer we have. He is "on call" 24/7 even when on vacation or droping the puck. I am quite sure other countries budget for such travel within their military budgets and would be surprised if Canada does not do the same. Quit hitting at the military and do some real investigative journalism on stories that actually matter.

Denis
said

Are you kidding me. 1 million in 3 and a half years. Thats peanuts. MP Clement gave 50 million to his ridding for the G 20 summit. We compensate terrorists in the amount of 10 million dollars. The government spends millions on surveys or audits which amount to nothing. We can go on and on. Give your head a shake.

Paul
said

You don't have the head of your military take commerical. He has a budget to work with.

Concerned Canadian
said

I'm sure he can pay for all these flights himself. The CDS makes how much money? This is how much more than the typical Canadian earns? Some years ago the CDS made over $200k a year. He can't set aside a bit of this money for expenses? Even if he made $100k a year, come on that is a lot of money for what he does. He can pay his way to fly all over the country. Canadians need to start demanding value for money from a government that spends like there is no tomorrow. Why does the Prime Minister make $300K a year? He has even more ability to pay his own way. Why does an MP make ~$156k a year? ...plus expenses... This is a lot of money for what they do. In these harsh economic times government needs to set the example for Canadians.

Mac1
said

The General IS entitled to the majority of the trips - as for the games - including bringing along family members... this is not acceptable... sure sometimes flights are a pain to connect however - a commercial flight the night before and a hotel room would be alot cheaper than $10,000 per hour for the Challenger.. this along with managing his schedule to accommodate this would be prudent ! The rest of the military are forced into taking the cheapest but not necessarily the most convenient travel options.. the top guy should take some of that direction on his own spending too !
Bob Fyfe is correct on informing the public on the facts - not opinion ... the difference today vs years ago- there was no system in place for "Pubic disclosure' of expenses of Ministers, top and regular bureaucrats etc - - today there is transparency - the Conservatives brought that in...
Mr Pat Martin (NDP) do you disclose 100% of your expenses ?? as an MP you get lots of perks... allowances etc ...

MT
said

"He 'makes every effort to use commercial flights whenever available and where his official travel schedule permits,' the statement says. " There's a lot of information in this sentence: this news story documents a grand total of about 10 flights over three years. The story completely neglects to inform us how many commercial flights were made in comparison - and I imagine for Natynczyk, it would be well in excess of the ten flights in the Challenger. All you whiners - give me a break. As one of Canada's top military men, I'm sure he's entitled to a few conveniences in his job after years of service to our country.

'B' IN BC
said

Lets see if I work this it is give or take 400 k over three years. That is very good considering we are fighting a War on Terrorism . This is part of his job as the Top Military General . When he travels and events of National Security to Canada or disasters in Canada require the assistance of the Military seem to happen and I am sorry I do not think these are required to be discussed on a Air Canada Flght. I am sure the Auditor General will let us know. Canadians should be proud they have one of the best Military's in the world along with the best economy. Something I am willing to share my tax dollars for.

MikeM
said

He is Chief of Defence for a country that is still at war and would be a prime target. Would it be responsible to have our top soldier flying on commercial aircraft - thus endangering the lives of all those aboard?For those of you who think that this is a waste of money, perhaps you should thing through the reasons before you speak.

Bill
said

Those fine young men are not the ones flying on vacation. Maybe it should be some of the vets using it instead. They are the ones that took the risk.

Orleansguy
said

...and just keep on doing a great job of piling the expenses onto the debt - it's not like it'll be paid tomorrow anyways! Way ta go DND!

Sherry
said

To all those voicing against this - read the whole article - you will notice that the CDS still tried to include things such as work where ever possible - the one to the Caribean - he doesn't often get to be with all his family - his sons and daughter also serve us and our country in the Military - he works very hard and is very good at what he does and the money used in the Military is for the Military - it does not take away from the homeless etc. Get over it - our military work hard at what they do and it's not as if these trips were hidden from anyone - as CTV showed with getting the info. Be nice if CTV actually spent their time with stories about all the good our soldiers every where do - but that would make things boring for them - and for the readers who only spend their time complaining - just read posts on this site! I am embarassed by those Canadians who whine all the time!

Chris
said

$1 million?!!! That's pretty good!!! Just $250k a year? Tell me how they do that because it's very cheap!!! What about the $350 million of the libs?? And what about the wasted 1 billion of Ehealth of Dalton?? Bravo Harper! Keep the good job!

Peter C
said

I respect the man and what he has accomplished and feel he is entitled to special treatment.Off with you whiners and go back to polishing off McGuilty

Bob in Chatham
said

These people on the public payroll are robbing us blind. I wish someone would give me a blank check to live on ! Are there no spending controls in Ottawa ?

Steve From Windsor
said

$1 million since 2008 for the head of our military and some of you think he should be flying coach on Air Canada? Why not ask all of our MP's that can eat through $500,000 in four months on "entertainment expenses" to pay back that money and eat at McDonalds instead of harping on a guy that has spent his ENTIRE LIFE defending our freedom so you can post your ridiculous opinions about how he should fly coach when we have gov't spending $10-$12 million on campaign ads to lie to us on how THEY are going to spend our money. $1 million since 2008? Spend one year doing hat has done his whole life and then tell me he should fly coach.

WoodC
said

The first thing that comes to mind is how many very hard working Canadians cannot even afford one vacation per year. When you file your tax return in April and see how much we pay in just payroll taxes alone, most can see why they cannot afford a family vacation. So much of our tax dollars are wasted. It is time to put a stop to all of the extravagant spending but government representatives.

Joe Fresh
said

I've got a nagging suspicion that the people who are defending this abuse of power are members of DND, or family members of DND officials.

No offense, but the term "official business" is thrown around quite a bit now a days, and there's no reason to have this man parading around in a private plane while other members of DND are losing their jobs.

To justify travel in Calgary, he could schedule a 5 minute meeting at a base in the area to "justify" the trip, then spend some time in the area. Government officials do it all the time, and it has to stop. Period.

If the gov. wants to get serious about eliminating waste, start with needless travel like his.

Evan in Athabasca
said

I want a full fiscal disclosure of CBC before I will ever balk at this. First Christmas in 3 years, clearly some one does not have a heart....

Steve
said

I work for the Federal Government and you'd be amazed at how stupid senior management can be when I try to obtain advance authorization for the mandatory travel I must endure as part of my job. I've had travel accomodations refused over a mere $10 per night difference in cost even when I use the Government approved accomodations lists. I have been forced to stay in flea bag motels in the suburbs only to have to spend more on taxi fare to attend a meeting due to the distances involved. Genius!

If the Federal Government REALLY wants to cut costs then they need to abolish the slush fund annual bonuses that are dolled out each year. I see no reason to cough up $25K to a low level executive for merely doing their job. Most are already earning salaries well into the 6 digit levels anyway.

taxpayer
said

All gov't cut backs except parliment and senior officials.
thats how our system works until some party takes responsible gov't seriously.

Chris from edmonton
said

Soldier by ChoiceOfficer by Queen's commissionCanadian by the Grace of God.Be thankful the man chose to serve Canada.His and others service protects your right to spout off about his expenses. Really find something else to complain about.

Get real
said

"how can he in good conscience do this while we are getting our Health Care and Education for our children drastically cut in New Brunswick!!!! "So vote in new provincial Government then. Health care and education are both provincialy administered and have nothing to do with the CDS or the Dept of Defense. New Brunswick recieves tranfer payments from the federal gov. how your provincial gov spends is your problem, not Canada's.

Hey
said

As a former CIVILIAN employee of DND, I'm mad at how much he gets to spend while every other section in DND, including HR-Civ, keeps getting their budget cut. I understand fully the sacrifice of the military (ground, air and navy), and I understand that there are trips that are for Army purposes, but in the case of some of those trips I wished CF would give the people a break, or not take the general Canadian population for complete idiots. There's military purpose, and there's being a Diva. I am 100 per cent certain that not all the military, navy and air folk are pleased to see where the money goes, when their budgets are restrained as well. Military is important, travel is indeed required, but... COME ON!

Also, nice to see that some military PR folks have obviously been told to get online and respond to such news. Doesn't matter if they're boiling inside - they have to do as they are told, orders are orders.

Tigger
said

Wow! This is over the top as reasonable expenses. Where are the govt. watchdogs curbing riduculous expenditures?

Platty
said

I know what you mean Marie, that money could feed a lot of hungry people. The same way that the following could..."Like other MPs from outside the National Capital Region, the couple is entitled to charge for their accommodation, meals while traveling and maintaining a constituency office. Chow's expenses tallied $530,304.73 and Layton's was $628,913.68."or..Between January 2006 and September 2010, Jean made 251 trips and accumulated more than 1,048 hours of flight. The bill for travel expenses totalled $2.7 million.La Presse also notes that on eight separate occasions, Jean used government planes for personal trips including five junkets to her family home in France. She also visited Jamaica, Barbados and Mexico with her husband and their daughter.

proud of our military
said

To the truth please, take some time to go to Europe and look at same Canadian cemeteries. you will see thousands of young men who gave their lives so that you can write what your did. Be proud of an military they gave their all for you! As for this article, the jet costs over 9000 dollars per hour to sit on the tarmac. That is why it is far more cost effective to have every plane in the air. So better flying him somewhere than sitting on the ground!

Fred
said

The CBC uses 200 times as much money as this in a year and refuses to disclose it finances, where is all the outrage over that lefties? Couldn't all that money spent on shows no one watches be spent on giving bread to the poor or whoever else you want to give our money too? At least the CDS serves a purpose.

Gorg
said

And what? None of us would do the same either in that position? I'll be honest with myself and others, I don't honestly know what all happens with this job except to lead our forces. But really to you folks who don't agree with him flying to different locations, what did you expect? For him to go from home to the office and back? To maybe hide from the world and not show up and represent our Canadian Forces in front of the world? Meetings, banquets, ceremonies, you name it! He has to be there! What do you expect him to do otherwise in this situation? Text from the dinner table like I see so many other losers do that don't even talk with the person across from them!? So some who are in disgust over this, too bad, get your heads out of your butts and take a good look around!!

Cathy
said

The CDS's expenses and expenditures are subject to audit and scrutiny - our Members of Parliament's expenditures are hidden from the public. I'd like to see those made public. The CDS's probably won't look so bad next to them.

Jake
said

He is the top dog, he is the face of the Military. He needs to be visible and I personally have no issues with any of these trips. The Military needs all the positive publicity it can get and sporting events help to accomplish this. Not to mention the security aspect of having Natynczyk fly with the regular folk.

Prof. Pye Chartt
said

Wow. Over the course of 3 years, our country's highest ranking military official spent over $1M on VIP aircraft flights. How sinfully wasteful. A nation of Canada's size and stature surely can't afford that! He should be taking public transit, VIA Rail, Amtrak, private fishing boats, and/or budget charter flights. (You silly whiners crack me up. Ottawa "wastes" hundreds of millions of dollars annually on bureaucratic nonsense, ineffectual programs, and through gross operating inefficiencies. This particular expenditure, for our Chief of Defence, is only something to fret about for the fiscally myopic turkeys in the political barnyard who can't grasp the big picture, and would, seemingly, be content to have the top tier of our government operate without any administrative class, prestige, or priveledge...like some stifled, penny-pinching Walmart managerial structure. Ridiculous.)

Ms Auga
said

When all CF members have to wade through paper work doing cost comparison analysis comparing train, car, rental vehicle, personal vehicle, bus, or taxi costs in order that they only take the "most economical means possible" on a business trip, then some of these trips certainly fall into the category of "Do As I Say (Not As I Do)".

Last Parasite
said

I just wish that people would get their facts straight before they post. Where in this article does it state that he uses military jets to go on vacation? Unless I am BLIND, it states, that due to a REPATRIATION of a fallen soldier the day before is the reason he was GIVEN PERMISSION to be flown to meet his family. What you ARM CHAIR GENERALS dont realize is, just because he is one of the top military personal, he still has to ask permission before he does something like this. This GENTLEMAN is one of the best when dealing with military personnel. He puts his soldiers first an family second...... DO YOU PUT YOUR JOB AHEAD OF YOUR FAMILY? As far spending money and not allowing people to eat and have to stand in line at a food bank, I used to be one of these people as well a few years ago, but I made a decision to sign up to better myself an my family. If people were not so picky an greedy, there are jobs out there. Just because you cannot start out making $40-50000 a year doesnt mean anything. Start from the bottom an work your way up. DONT BE SO LAZY!!!!!!!! A job is a job an you get paid. So what you may have to struggle for a few but in the long run it all works out.

James
said

This is a clear abuse of position and privilege without question. As a staunch Conservative I call upon the Prime Minister to explain these outrageous expenditures of our tax dollars then lets discuss the firing of Bob Dechert next.

Yvon
said

So what! I'm getting fed up with this kind of press coverage.

Len
said

I wonder if he'll be asked to repay this atrocity! He's not the only one either. One can even see our elected leaders doing it. No wonder people scream foul!!

MAE in Ontario
said

chris----His job be dammed. He could have gotten to those events on a regular aircraft. I wouldn't even begrudge him first class. His job had nothing to do with his trip wuith his wife to the Stampede or to the Carribean for Christmas. Big deal he hadn't spent Christmas with his wife for 3 years. There are many jobs that take you away from your family at Christmas. For the first 10 years of our marriage my husband worked Christmas and we counted that as part of his job.That this guy spent the tax payers money like water just because he could burns my aspiditra.

Keith
said

How about a CTV investigation on MP pensions!!! Get serious!! Now for the real truth......the reason why the costs/hour for these aircraft is so high is to try and stop misuse/abuse by other agencies and civilian departments. If four example the acutal costs were listed, I dare say the totals would be much less....and every tom dick and harry would be asking to use them due to the cost. Isn't the NDP critic a big hero now!!! What a dckhead!.

C. Beamish Harrowsmith
said

What constitutes "VIP"? The Challenger aircraft are clapped-out relics that were foisted on the CF and are by no means luxurious. CDS's have had to travel to international meetings sleeping on the floor of these aircraft with a sleeping bag and air mattress. How extravagant! I'm sure that the CDS' staff peruse his expenses very closely, coordinating and managing a very complicated schedule.

Patrick
said

This is unacceptable. Many people have jobs that keep them from family events. there's no reason to have empty planes flying around for his convenience. Its a waste of tax dollars and a detriment to the environment.

Art
said

Perhaps Robert Fife should be reminded that he can try and dig up all the dirt he wants but he will have to deal with a majority Conservative government till the next election is called. We all know this must be tough times for Mr. Fife and his Liberals as try to pick them selves out of the dust. However, this is our Top General, his security quite frankly should be as high or higher than the Governor General. When Jean was GG CTV never questioned her nearly 2 million dollars in jet setting? Where was the "responsible" journalism there? Quite frankly rules should be changed and reversed, the GG should be flying commercial and the General should be flying securely. God Bless our troops and God Bless Canada!

T-Rex in BC
said

So CTV reports that the General took a CC-144 to join his family on vacation. And the reason : was because he missed 'his' paid for civilian flight in order to show his respect to a Canadian Forces service member who was killed in action. What is the problem with that. The General's use of the CC-144 for all other events is no different from that of any other General that was in his shows prior to him. Come on CTV if you are going to report a story show ALL the facts.

hollis macdonald
said

there is no excuse for spending this amount of tax payers money what so ever. as an ex military i seen to much tax payers money wasted over the years by d.n.d..

Gary_AB
said

These are high ranking government officials. We have the jets and it is for security and convienance. Don't tell me if you were in the same position you wouldn't be using them either. And the whole healthcare and education excuses are starting to get really old.

Matthew
said

Get rid of the jet? That is some sort of funny political satire right? I mean really folks, this is a head of state. A certain air of power is required. The man is a general of a very honorable and courageous army, our army. For the man that makes more decisions of real world importance each day, then most of us make in a week. General wants to take a jet? Would you like an in flight scotch sir? In fact, when we finally get them, send him with two F28 wing man just to be sure. Get the point? 1 Million dollars, gimme a break. Drop in the bucket. Give him 5 million so he can really make an entrance as a Canadian General. Now is certainly not the time to be showing any sign of weakness. Or has 70 years of relative peace on this planet dulled 90% of us into really thinking China has no plans for our forests, lakes and rivers?

Smitty
said

I have come to expect this kind of "reporting" from the CBC, not CTV.All of the travel mentioned in the article was business related. It's a non-issue. If he starts using military helicopters to get to the golf course or one of our frigates to take his buddies fishing, then I might have a problem with the General.

robert w. les strange
said

Terrible judgement on his part! Yes, Christmas is special but look at all those Canadians who are away from their children at Christmas, of which I've been 7 times now, due to work. We still suck it up and do the job. If we work it, he works it! Joe Canadian is no more or less relevant. As for hockey and football games, he's got no excurse. Yes, he dropped the puck at ONE NHL game but that's it...one! Nope. He used crap judgement and I'm ashamed at him for the example he set here. Oh, and those overspending fat cats in Ottawa too! Lets not forget them!

chris.sokoloski
said

Come on people its HIS job..Not only is he the PR for the military at events, he is the TOP of the Military chain..Get over it..He has spend many hours working throughout his career missing birthdays, anniversary's, family dinners etc etc..YOU have no idea. I do finally retired after 33 years. This man deserves all the flights and if the military had to fly him to join his family on Vaca so be it. This was due too his militasry obligations which HE HAD TO ATTERND, putting the family Vaca 2nd. What else can you expect. If you want to point fingers look at MPs and their pensions for the years of service they have to be. Leave the military alone and go after MPs...they dont even have to leave Canada..??

deborah guitar
said

how can he in good conscience do this while we are getting our Health Care and Education for our children drastically cut in New Brunswick!!!! the money should be re imbursed and transferred Health care deficits! thats how he can make it right!!!

Will
said

WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU PEOPLE?????There is NO excuse for our government officials to be jet setting it around town on our dollar.Use your heads. I can not believe half of you support this. Should I give you my address, I'd like to blow your money too. This is illegal spending of our taxes, which is why it is news. Get your head out of your...........wake up.

Marie
said

I think this is a completet waste of tax payers money. And to think that many of my friends wish they had a piece of bread to eat and must stand in line at local food banks. This wasted money should be going to agencies taht truely need it and not being wasted on vacations, honey games and CFL games. SHAME SHAME SHAME on him.

Concerned Citizen
said

When cutting costs for Govt expenses, Ford Nation started off trying to curb these expenses, but they were left down completely by the heads of departments who is trying to show off that they are running 100% efficiently and the only way to reduce costs is to cut services.As long as the heads of departments SEE that the money they get belongs to hard working Canadians, this massacre will continue.No one person can change this behavior. Yes, the Canadian tax payers are doomed to have the executives who think it is their RIGHT to spend hard working Canadian Tax payers money.I'm sure the General is doing a lot of things, and am also sure that not all his trips were so important to spend that kind of money.Executives and Politicians if they do self control on the money they use from the tax payers, people are going to thank you. (I know I live in a fairy land to expect this)

Tim
said

$1 million since 2008. Ok. So, if each trip on this plane costs (roughly) $100k each way, since each trip seems to cost about $200k round trip (I'm estimating here)... that makes around $250k a year (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011) ... so 1 trip a year on this plane? Yeah, that's totally inexcusable. How dare this man use this plane once a year! He should be crammed into coach on an Air Canada flight, he's only the top member of our entire military hierarchy after all! It's not like anyone will be gunning for him or anything. I mean, I'm against government waste as much as the next guy, and while I'm not happy about this dude jetsetting around, it isn't (relatively) a lot of money in terms of government budgets.

Nick [Gatineau, Qc]
said

As reported, a non news story and further indicates the degradation of the CTV network. Shame on you!

Pat
said

$1 million? really? Those of you who defend this kind of spending don't have a clue as to how much money that is and how much it could help Canada's poor. Canadiens should stop this man from using the government's money as his own piggy bank. Those of you who condone this, send your own personal to him so that he can continue to live like the rich and famous while others are wondering if they can eat tomorrow.

Not on my dollar
said

Perhaps someone could explain with a better degree of justification than I'm reading here why we as taxpayers should pay for this man's personal flights in a private jet when we have paid a fortune to ensure that all commercial flights leaving and entering our airports receive the highest degree of security measures to make them safe? I can justify taxpayers footing the bill for his "commercial" flight costs on his vacations as a "benefit" to his position, but not his the flights expenses of his wife or children. If are commercial flights aren't secure enough for high ranking government officials, just how secure are they for you and me? Flight details do not need to be made public, or an assigned security person could accompany the individual at a cost far less than that of a private jet don't you think? Sorry, but this waste isn't acceptable for any party - past, present or future. And no whining about how the Liberals did it, or how the Conservatives have done it in the past. How about just fixing this costly problem now?

Gundula Baehre
said

Sporting events, Caribbean vacations etc., I don't know. I know travel is expensive, but this is a bit ridiculous (I don't think tax payers should be on the hook for politicians' personal vacation expenses).

Tom
said

The Military head deserves every perk going. He is still working even when at a hockey game. If fingers need to be pointed then point them at politicians who fly home form Ottawa to Toronto and wherever else at the taxpayers expense. Does McGuinty pay for his travel home to Ottawa and back, NO. They should be travelling on their own dollar, after all they do get paid well. Any other working stiff has to pay for their own commuting. Speak about out of control spending. No wonder we are going to hell in a hand basket.

Common sense
said

What has not been said in this article is that the planes would likely be flying anyway. The crew need to fly a certain number of hours to keep their proficiency, so why not fly the general around instead of doing circles in Ottawa for training?

Mahmoud
said

Sometimes it is embarassing to be a Canadian. Is this really what our press things is news? This is just nothing but misrepresented tabloid sensationalization. This half-story doesn't go anywhere near giving a complete picture. He is Chief of Defense and had perfectly honorable reasons for his trips (more than what is told here) and furthermore, there are other considerations and accounting that isn't even mentioned.

Adrian
said

So? Other Gov. Officials spend more of our dollars, at least he spends it and has and still serves our country well with duty, loyality, courage and integrity. CTV, this is sh*ty news.

Matt B
said

Who's to say a flight was immediately available? Depending on the location in the Caribbean, he may have had to wait 2-3 days and up to a full week for a flight there. Potentially the vacation could have been over by the time he landed.

Last Parasite
said

How can ANYONE of you complain about taking a flight to catch up with his family for christmas!!!!!!!! Perhaps if you read the whole story, he was attending a REPATRATION for a fallen member. All you arm chair commanders get off your comfy chairs an serve the country you all love. If not for all of our military members past an present where would your comfy ass be. I have missed the last 2 christmas's because of being over seas PROTECTING YOUR LAZY ASSES.... Until you have served an done something to protect your country, stay quiet an go back to your comfy chairs an reap all the rewards that we have fought an died for so you can actually be able to post such CRAP.... Wake the @#$% up people, this is not the perfect little world you all think it is!!!!!!!!! Like I stated earlier, if you can do a better job, sign the @#$% up, if SHUT the @#$% up.......

Jack Sparrow in ONT
said

Travel is expensive and we require the Chief of Defence to be in a lot of places, making 100 percent commercial travel simply unrealistic. BUT, 10 plus K to catch up with the family on a Carribean trip ? I'm not arguing the we shoudn't pay for his missed family flight, or pay to have him join his family, duty called ( although he does probably get paid well for the job and this comes with the territory) However, I'm sure he could have booked a commercial flight for 1.5 K, max. and still have been able to connect within the day. Sorry folks this is entitlement at its worst and it was good investigative journalism to expose it, Now, what will be done about it ? Nothing of course.

Super Guy - Ottawa
said

No doubt this Military Head spends more time with "our troops" then he does with his family and most Canadians are very proud of each and every one of them. We have bases all over Canada and overseas so he is off to "salute" all the Military not just in Ottawa. He has been there for the soldiers coming home in coffins and meet with the families..shame on CTV to even think of printing this. I am proud of our troops and this General...show us something that isn't paid by "taxpayers" this is NOT a waste so go and write about something else or better still "NOT"

FCS
said

Yes the CDS and his staff should be flying to operational area via commercial air, maybe one of those nice Russian airlines that operate over Afganistan. What a non-story. Anti -military types will moan regadless of how ridiculous this is and those with half a brain will just shrug. And comparing the CDS to a murderer just shows your ignorance . Especially since you people will be the first begging for his help when the water rises or the snow is too deep.

islandcynic
said

Perhaps it is time to get rid of the private jet. It is far too expensive for taxpayers and seems open to abuse. Get rid of the jet as a travelling option.

Evolving Squid
said

Calendar Boy:Christmas in the Netherlands and in Dutch-controlled places is in early January. Always has been.

doug
said

i am soooo fed up with the media trying to show how much miltitary flights cost to transport officials around. the aircraft are going to be flown one way or other-transportation, relief work, training. Theses reported tens of thousands of dollars per hour to operate are the media's accountants and and pencil point pushers taking everything under the sun(probably include the sun damage to the paint also) as more additions to the costs. It costs money if the airplanes never move a wheel!. So stop sensationalizing the useage just to sell papers or tv reporting.

Big A
said

to IK this has nothing, I repeat NOTHING to do with another country. Your comparisom to the us pres is ridiculus at the least

Big A
said

C'mon Walt - Clean up your act. Our veterans are trying to get some compensation for getting shot at in hell . At least TRY to look frugal or get off the boat.

Frank in NS
said

For those that may have forgotten, Canada has been involved in a war. Being a veteren of Canada's armed forces, I know how this accounting of costs takes place. Consider the costs as depreciation on the aircraft, it's maintenance (which is done anyway) ground crew salaries (paid anyway), fuel, his wages (paid anyway) and pilot, navigator and crew salaries (paid anyway). These left wing cry babies in the meantime sat watching TV.

just checking
said

Hey right wingers... so what you're saying is that if the Liberals or any other party were in power this would be acceptable then as well right? Just checking...

robin hood
said

It is with great pleasure and gratification that I add my outlook to this forum ctv!-------------I�ll bet it real nice to have your own private plane without the expense! -------------It must have broken your heart for �your job� to have delayed your family cruise in the Caribbean by a whole day. There is just no accounting for some people�s kids; the audacity and such poor timing of that ungrateful soldier to have so rudely died for his country interrupting your vacation. Words fail me yours and your family�s disappointment must have been grievous!MacKay and Harper looking forward to you trying to explain this but in all seriousness I wouldn�t recommend it! Vets I think you should all thank the nice General for so gallantly handing you the perfect launch pad for this government to take a second look in your direction.

PJ
said

@ IAIN - Did you ever think that perhaps he flies around in that type of aircraft because of security concerns? He is the Chief of defence staff after all.. AND to make a correllation with the Gen and "col" williams is, quite frankly, insulting. How is defending the chief of defence staff's use of a government jet have ANY relation with supporting MR williams?? " Did you rush to the defense of Col. Williams too?"

RCAF Flyer
said

Never met a more ethical and dedicated man than Gen. Natynczyk. Do the NDP critics also know about budgeted yearly allotments of training hours (it probably did not cost the taxpayer one more red-cent than what was already budgeted for crew training) . Do they speak of the number of medical evacuations and compassionate flights these aircraft perform. No, they will just jump on a convenient soapbox to destroy the reputation of an honourable man who cannot defend himself because he signed a contract of 'unlimited liability'. These cowards cannot even be held liable because of parliamentary priviledge. I certainly hope that the media has the will to sort out this piece of distorted truth.

Cpl. Anonomous, Current CF member, 1 tour to Afgh.
said

Different rules for different people. :( I know Cpls, MCpls, Sgts and so on who have missed family events. I know one guy who has a 6 year old son who has missed every single birthday....nobody offered him a flight home. Opsec for classified material, and his personal safety is obviously important but we spend way less on our CF than the Americans, and have ballpark about 1/10 the population of the US so spending that kind of money is alot for the military. Imagine if we all had better equipment at the cost of some b.s. PR nonsense that can be avoided? Imagine if he took a small paycut as well as the other brass in the CF what money would be available to spend for the troops etc. on the ground who do all the work that earns high ranking officers some of the medals that troops at lower rank levels don't get....but rather a "coin?" Why can't he be transported by truck to hockey games? We have enough SOF assets as well as RCMP who can protect him...and it would only cost a few thousand which is totally acceptable for a person such as him. A trip for the PM to see a Sens game only runs a few grand I would guess.... There is nothing wrong with being "thrifty."

Chris H
said

Same old cheap trick stories. The story didn't state whether the $1M was actual out of pocket costs of the greatly inflated "accrual accounting" costs which include a pro-rated cost for everything that will ever be spent on the plane over its entire lifetime, whether it flies or not. Why didn't he take a commercial flight - the story covers that. A soldier died so he missed his commercial flight with his family and stayed behind for the repatriation ceremony. Grow up folks and stop looking for something to hate.

Calendar Boy
said

Er, since when is Christmas on 4 January???

Benjamin Butterworth
said

He's the Chief of Defense Staff, the highest ranking military official. Yes, I would absolutely expect him to travel via private jet. All these people crying saying it's excessive entitlement. It's not. It is 100% justly deserved. And if you actually read the article, they mention that he only took that flight to the caribean because he missed is actual commercial flight because of official business, so the government ponied up for the mistake and flew him down there. This man is doing more for this country than 99.9% of the population and rightfully has access to this sort of thing.I would feel ashamed if I learned that we force our representatives at that level to fly via commercial airline.

Chris
said

IAIN said, " Did you rush to the defense of Col. Williams too?"... ahem... who is COLONEL Williams... he doesn't exist as he was STRIPPED of this rank and was dishonorably released... I can tell you know NOTHING of the military at all!!! I can say you have zero credibility!!!

al read
said

So what? He is the top soldier and perks come with the job

Tommy Atkins
said

Looks like "The Night Of The Long Knives" is being played out ... (nice touch, waiting until he was in Moscow to blade him in the media ... but, what do you expect from Ottawa? ... live by the blade, die by the blade ...) Ah, well ... the generals have set themselves up quite nicely for retirement with all those dinners with corporate Canada ... while the grunts will end up being security guards because Canadian corporations figure that's all they're good for ... "It's Tommy this, and Tommy that, ..."

IK
said

WHO CARES??? Not a single person seems to mind that the President of the United States flies around on a Boeing 747 that is essentially a flying West Wing - in fact, I would argue that many think Air Force 1 is pretty cool. Should I also mention that there is also Air Force 2 for the Vice President? Or how about the fact the First Lady also flies in a US Air Force VIP plane? We have all of 6 challengers in our VIP fleet which are twin engine executive sized planes. I am so sick of hearing about this - why not just make them walk because we are all jealous? And the next time a soldier dies perhaps he should just skip that event and be with his family - because I don't care who you are or what job you died in, I will not tell anyone that they should put work before their own family at Christmas unless it is absolutely necessary.

Randy
said

One word to describe this... Entitlement... and it's getting more and more out of hand.

IAIN
said

Malcolm. What your comment says has nothing to do with the actual story here. Spending over $1M in flights in less than 3 years has nothing to do with integrity but that of wasting tax payers hard earned dollars. Did you rush to the defense of Col. Williams too?

Chris
said

Pfffft yeah... there you go, another left wing media journalist going after another government official without TELLING US THE WHOLE TRUTH!!! They don't tell you that Canada's top soldier while using the aircraft to go to hockey games, he's actually attending to military business while at those locations FIRST!!! Now, I can't explain the St. Maarten trip, but I think we're all being mislead by this story!!!

Bob H fr Petawawa
said

Is this all that CTV has do do is dream up or dig up dirt on the CF and the present government? You can bet your bottom dollar that they NEVER dig anything up on the Official Opposition,(the NDP) at all. Thy can do no wrong at all. It is odd that they, the press, always dig this sort of stuff up on the CF, the RCMP, or any police service. I guess because they're supposed to be a shining example of the community. Well I wish they'd bring out some real stories of how much good these services do for the community and the country in general. I will be somewhat surprised if they print this.

the truth please
said

All hail the new conquering heros of the military- they can waste money like no one else can- toys for the boys and girls who love to kill and we just eat it up and behind our backs they are no better than the criminals that are in jail. We cut social services, medical, pensions all so these kind of blood-suckers can have a free ride.

May
said

"Natynczyk's spokesman added that the trip allowed the defence chief to spend Christmas with his family for the first time in three years" A commercial flight would have done the same. Spokespeople are just another form of spin doctors. Tell the people what you think they want to hear - we are not idiots - this overspending is appalling Health care and education suffering while this nonsense continues. . .

Malcolm
said

The report makes it appear that the CDS is being self serving. I find this completely unacceptable and an attack on an honourable man. I challenge any one to find a leader at that level with more integrity. It seems to me that some out there have no idea what being the CDS means in commitment and the threats to the indivdiual filling that position. It must be a slow news day.

IAIN
said

Absolutely Ridiculous! Our Government may be one of the most secretive corrupt bunch of money wasting tax hiking pigs known to man kind.

Northern Princess
said

....and your point would be? i wouldn't expect it any other way.

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Labour Minister Lisa Raitt speaks in the House of Commons in Ottawa on Monday, May 28, 2012. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

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