Invoice for B.C. awards ceremony sparks backlash

Critics say the government overspent on food, drinks and a venue rental for a ceremony honouring public servants.

An invoice shows the B.C. government spent nearly $118,000 on an awards ceremony last November, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

The documents obtained by the group through a freedom of information request revealed the cost of the annual Premier’s Awards for Innovation and Excellence ceremony.

Renting the Victoria Conference Centre cost more than $14,000, while food and beverages racked up a bill of $75,376.

The B.C. Conservatives pointed to a volunteer buffet with a price tag of $57 per person along with pricey cocktails during a time where the province is facing a record deficit.

“This is a government that’s asking everybody else to tighten their belts,” said Gavin Dew, MLA for Kelowna-Mission.

“All we’re asking for is for the premier to walk the walk and talk the talk.”

Dew says that the event could have been held at the Government House or other venues at a fraction of the cost.

Months after the event, the B.C. government announced a budget it was slashing hundreds of millions of dollars in spending in an effort to mitigate the record $10.9-billion deficit anticipated for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

Finance minister Brenda Bailey addressed the controversy Wednesday saying that 800 people attended the event and no alcohol was served for government employees or their guests.

“There was a $301 alcohol tab, and that was for the 18 volunteers who adjudicated – all from outside government. They get two drink tickets to thank them for their adjudication,” said Bailey.

When asked by reporters if events like this would be paused as the province looks to cut back on spending, Bailey wouldn’t address it directly but explained that an efficiency review is underway and everything will be looked at.

The Premier’s Awards for Innovation and Excellence program is intended to recognize and award outstanding projects, teams or individuals in the public service.

This past year, the award recipients included Canada’s First Cervical Cancer Self-Screening Program and the provincial the wildfire service director, among others.

2024 marked the 20th year of the event.