Mr. Speaker, with regard to (a), there is no set budget for gifts to foreign dignitaries for Canada’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, UNSC.
With regard to (b), gift bags, with letter openers, were purchased for 15 foreign dignitaries at the cost $735.00 in the context of a regional meeting. Our government firmly believes in promoting Canadian businesses and products, including Indigenous products. These products were made in Canada by Wolf Den, based in Parry Sound, Ontario.
The permanent mission of Canada to the United Nations in New York has been maintaining a small gift inventory as per customary practice in the conduct of diplomatic affairs for several years, pre-dating Canada’s UNSC campaign. Gifts range from key chains, $14, to wild sockeye smoked salmon, $51.90.
With regard to (c), details on the recipients of each gift are not provided as per section 15 of the Access to Information Act.