Cost of Carney’s Egypt Summit Flight Ballooned to $736K with No Air Force Plane Available

Prime Minister Mark Carney’s last-minute trip to October’s Gaza peace summit in Egypt cost Canadian taxpayers more than $736,466, over three times higher than it would have been with a Royal Canadian Air Force plane. The government chartered a Bombardier Global 5000 jet from the Chartright Air Group, but it would have cost $198,800 with a government-owned Challenger aircraft. The Bombardier Global 5000 is known for its speed, range, and comfort. The actual cost of the trip could be higher than the reported $736,466 by the Privy Council Office, which did not provide a detailed breakdown of the expenses. Several world leaders attended the summit in Egypt after an invitation from U.S. President Donald Trump. Carney’s decision to attend the summit was made hastily on October 12, with the plane leaving Ottawa that same day. Accompanying Carney were his chief of staff, security team, and other staff members. The plane returned to Ottawa on October 14 after 42 hours, with meals provided only on the return flight.