B.C. Government's $35,000 Medal Ceremony Includes $1,700 Bar Tab
Newly released records have exposed a controversial government expenditure in British Columbia, where a medal ceremony for public servants came with a substantial bar bill. The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has obtained documents showing the Ministry of Finance approved $35,000 for an event distributing King Charles III Coronation Medals to 46 civil servants.
Event Details and Expenditure Breakdown
On March 11, 2025, approximately 150 people gathered at the Inn at Laurel Point in Victoria for what was described as an open-bar medal ceremony. While 30,000 of these coronation medals were distributed across Canada that year, the B.C. event has drawn particular scrutiny for its costs.
The financial breakdown reveals:
- $2,500 for room rental
- $18,000 for food and beverages
- $14,500 for miscellaneous expenses
Following the event, government employees submitted receipts that included specific alcohol purchases:
- $1,753 for alcoholic beverages
- 46 glasses of sparkling wine
- 6 shots of tequila
- 10 shots of whisky
- 3 shots of gin
- 42 glasses of assorted wine
The food expenses were equally notable, with $1,080 spent on bread and dip and $1,800 for 90 antipasto platters.
Criticism from Taxpayer Advocates
Carson Binda, B.C. director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, has strongly criticized the spending. "Bureaucrats billed taxpayers for an open-bar party at a glitzy hotel, while the finance minister pinky promises she's looking for savings," Binda stated.
He emphasized the timing was particularly problematic given the province's financial situation. "Open-bar parties for bureaucrats while the province borrows billions is like the band playing as the ship sinks," Binda added, referencing B.C.'s $13.3 billion deficit and projected debt of $234 billion by 2029.
"These are exactly the types of places that the government should be looking to find savings," Binda continued. "Especially as it hikes income taxes on families and expands the PST. Tax hikes for us, open bars and fancy appetizers for B.C. bureaucrats."
Context and Government Response
The event occurred as part of the broader distribution of King Charles III Coronation Medals across Canada. While the medals recognize public service, the lavish nature of this particular ceremony has raised questions about fiscal responsibility.
The Ministry of Finance has been contacted for comment regarding the expenditure and the criticism it has generated. As of publication, no official response has been provided to address the concerns raised by taxpayer advocates.
This revelation comes at a sensitive time for the provincial government, which faces increasing pressure to demonstrate fiscal restraint while managing significant budgetary challenges. The contrast between proposed tax increases for citizens and what appears to be extravagant spending on government events has created a public relations challenge for officials.
