Mr. Speaker, the response is as follows:
(a) Invitations were mailed to guests figuring on the list provided to Optimum Public Relations, the company contracted to organize the event on behalf of the federal government. This is true for all guests except those from the House of Commons. Eighty-six seats were reserved for MPs from all parties. In these instances, party whips were all asked to extend invitations to their members.
(b) The criteria were based on the following categories: aboriginal and cultural groups, academic/education, arts and culture, agricultural sector, business, community leaders and representatives, core group, government/public sector, guest labour groups, media, military, non-profit sector, northlands park, order of canada, political leaders, professionals, religious leaders, sports, veterans and youth.
(c) Based on the final calculations, the total cost of the dinner hosted by the Prime Minsiter in honour of Her Majesty The Queen in Edmonton was $338,565.79