Rubber ducks, socks, umbrellas and even a PlayStation complete with NHL Centre Ice — these are some of the items found in newly-released documents of spending for promotional items at government departments. Don’t let anyone tell you there isn’t government waste.
Last December, the opposition Conservatives submitted an order paper question to the government asking about, “the purchase of promotional products for handouts or giveaways at trade shows, conferences, and other events, since June 1, 2018.” Order paper questions are much more formal than what we see during question period and the government is obliged to answer, even when it can be embarrassing.
Like the Communication Security Establishment, effectively Canada’s digital spies, spending $17,010 to purchase 4,774 rubber ducks. Why does an organization that spends its days intercepting foreign intelligence need to buy almost 5,000 rubber ducks?
