Federal minister Harjit Sajjan to attend Taylor Swift concert with taxpayer-funded ticket
Harjit Sajjan, the federal minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, will be going to the Eras Tour on taxpayer dollars.
PavCo, the owner and operator of BC Place, told CTV News they offered tickets to the Taylor Swift concert to stakeholders, a procedure it calls "normal course of business."
There are 40 tickets available in the BC Place suite, according to PavCo. That means 120 guests will be attending the Swift concert in total, thanks to B.C. taxpayers.
“PavCo provided tickets for stakeholder outreach purposes by event promoters who hold events at our venues,” it said in a statement to CTV News.
“In turn, we extend invitations to industry and business partners, stakeholders, government and elected officials, First Nations, community groups and charities.”
It says the only politician who accepted the offer was Sajjan.
According to Sajjan’s office, he received clearance from the federal ethics commissioner before accepting the tickets and will be attending with his daughter on Saturday.
PavCo says that giving away tickets to stakeholders and politicians helps promote and amplify events. It says it will continue this type of outreach going forward.
Sajjan was asked to make a donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank and Food Banks B.C. as part of the offer. He donated $1,500 to the food bank, according to his office.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim was also offered free Swift tickets, but his office says he declined the offer.
“Mayor Sim is absolutely thrilled that Vancouver will be the final stop on Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour,” a spokesperson said in a statement to CTV News.”
"While tickets were offered to him in his capacity as the mayor of Vancouver, he declined and personally purchased tickets for himself, his family and friends.”
PavCo and BC Place have donated more than 100 tickets and four suites for the Taylor Swift shows to registered charities across B.C.
More than $1 million has been raised across the province due to the ticket donations as part of its community benefit program.
Shopping Trends
The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Singh calls on Canada to stop critical minerals exports to U.S. amid Trump tariff threat
NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh says the only way to deal with 'bully' U.S. president-elect Donald Trump and his looming tariff threat is to make him feel the 'pain' of Canada's retaliatory measures.
Norovirus cases are rising in Canada. Here's advice from a doctor
Canadian health officials are reporting a rising number of cases of the highly contagious norovirus disease in Canada, warning that the elderly and young children are most at risk.
Four youths arrested after teenager stabbed during altercation inside Hillcrest High School
Two people were seriously injured during an altercation at an Ottawa high school on Monday morning. Ottawa police say four youths are in custody.
Alberta premier talks about 'tariff-free relationship' with the U.S.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump went well, but the leader's tariff threat has not been averted.
Francois-Philippe Champagne to announce Tuesday if he's running for leader
Industry Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne plans to reveal Tuesday whether he will run in the upcoming party leadership race to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Canada and U.S. warships join forces in South China Sea through contested waters
The United States Navy's USS Higgins joined HMCS Ottawa in the South China Sea, near the contested Scarborough Shoal, on Thursday. The two warships travelled south together towards the Spratly Islands – a number of which China has militarized.
'You just don't roll over:' Doug Ford refuses to take energy threat off table as he pitches closer mineral relationship with U.S.
Premier Doug Ford is proposing a closer relationship with the U.S. when it comes to critical minerals while at the same time boasting that the province won’t 'roll over' should president-elect Donald Trump follow through on his threatened tariffs upon taking office next week.
Bishop's students allege teacher uses degrading terms, university doing nothing
Students at Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Que., say they're shocked and appalled by the school's apparent lack of action over a teacher they allege has been using derogatory language in her classroom for years.
Canada Post stamps just got more expensive
Canada Post is raising the price of stamps, starting today. Stamps purchased in a booklet, coil or pane will cost 25 cents more at $1.24 per stamp. The price of a single domestic stamp is now $1.44, up from $1.15.
Vancouver Island
-
Crews rescue unconscious skier after fall on Vancouver Island mountain
Search and rescue crews successfully extracted a seriously injured skier off a B.C. mountain over the weekend.
-
May long weekend camping reservations available soon: B.C. Parks
Campers, mark your calendars. Online reservations for BC Parks sites for the May long weekend will be available for booking in a matter of days.
-
Man charged after random assaults, arson in North Vancouver
A 42-year-old man is in police custody facing multiple charges, including assault causing bodily harm and arson, following a series of violent incidents in North Vancouver, according to police.
Kelowna
-
West Kelowna fire chief says L.A. devastation a haunting reminder of B.C. blaze
The fire chief of a British Columbia community devastated by a fast-moving wildfire in 2023 says it's "haunting" to see similar circumstances playing out in Southern California.
-
1 hospitalized, residents displaced after Kelowna apartment fire
Firefighters knocked down a blaze on the third floor of a low-rise apartment building near downtown Kelowna Monday afternoon.
-
Lost skiers rescued off B.C. mountain
Search and rescue volunteers in B.C.’s Okanagan successfully reunited two skiers with their family Friday evening.
Edmonton
-
'Not asking for a lot': School support workers off the job in Edmonton, nearby area
Education support workers gathered under pitch-black pre-dawn skies in Edmonton and nearby communities Monday to go on strike in a wage dispute with their employers.
-
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley joins labour-focused law firm
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley is returning to her legal roots, joining western Canadian law firm Southern Butler Price.
-
'Never safe to skate on': officials warn residents of the dangers of ice integrity at stormwater ponds
Epcor and Edmonton Fire Rescue Services (EFRS) are reminding residents of the risks of traversing frozen stormwater ponds during the winter.
Calgary
-
Alberta premier talks about 'tariff-free relationship' with the U.S.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said her conversations with U.S. President Donald Trump went well, but the leader's tariff threat has not been averted.
-
What Alberta is doing to prevent wildfires in Canmore, Bow Valley
As Alberta nears the start of another wildfire season, there are efforts underway to safeguard against wildfires in Canmore and the Bow Valley.
-
WEATHER
WEATHER Overnight lows to be above freezing for part of this week
A warmer weather pattern is setting up across the west with a ridge of high pressure along the Pacific coastline continuing to support strong westerly flow onshore from California through to British Columbia.
Lethbridge
-
What Alberta is doing to prevent wildfires in Canmore, Bow Valley
As Alberta nears the start of another wildfire season, there are efforts underway to safeguard against wildfires in Canmore and the Bow Valley.
-
'Good neighbours': Montana residents share thoughts on Trump's '51st state' threat
As U.S. president-elect Donald Trump threatens to annex Canada, some residents in Montana are sharing their thoughts on the idea of Canada becoming the “51st state.”
-
Man dies after falling into sink hole at Fernie Alpine Resort
An investigation is underway by Elk Valley RCMP after a man died Wednesday after falling into a sink hole at Fernie Alpine Resort.
Winnipeg
-
Arrest made in Portage la Prairie double homicide: RCMP
Manitoba RCMP has made an arrest in connection with a double homicide in Portage la Prairie, Man., last month.
-
Winnipeg's 2024 deficit down $2.9 million from previous forecast: city
The City of Winnipeg closed out 2024 at a steep deficit, but there’s less proverbial red ink than previously forecasted.
-
'He was a genius': Family remembers man who died waiting for care in Winnipeg ER
The sister of a man who died waiting for care in the emergency department of Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) is remembering her late brother as an intelligent person with a bold personality
Regina
-
Two charged after alleged smuggling of illegal guns into Canada south of Val Marie, Sask.
RCMP say two 19-year-old men are facing multiple weapons charges after they were discovered crossing into and out of the United States illegally south of Val Marie, Sask., allegedly smuggling guns.
-
Regina woman charged in death of infant makes first court appearance
The woman charged in the death of a three-month-old boy made her first appearance at Regina provincial court Monday.
-
Riders resign linebacker Jameer Thurman to 2-year extension
A key piece of the Saskatchewan Roughriders defence will be back with the green and white for the next two seasons.
Saskatoon
-
Sask. teen who allegedly set classmate on fire scheduled to plea next month
A teen girl who allegedly set her classmate on fire is set to make a plea at Saskatoon Provincial Court next month.
-
Driver killed in single-vehicle crash in Stonebridge on Sunday, police say
Saskatoon police say a driver was killed in an early-morning crash in Stonebridge on Sunday.
-
Two charged after alleged smuggling of illegal guns into Canada south of Val Marie, Sask.
RCMP say two 19-year-old men are facing multiple weapons charges after they were discovered crossing into and out of the United States illegally south of Val Marie, Sask., allegedly smuggling guns.
Toronto
-
'Let the people decide', Ford says of any potential stimulus spending amid Trump tariff threat
Premier Doug Ford remains tight-lipped on whether he will call for an early election in Ontario, but said if incoming president Donald Trump’s threatened tariffs take effect -- and the province needs to approve a stimulus bill to support the economy -- a vote would be necessary.
-
SIU probing death of woman who fell from Toronto apartment building
The province’s police watchdog is investigating the death of a 44-year-old woman who investigators say fell while attempting to scale down a Toronto apartment building early Monday morning.
-
BREAKING
BREAKING Toronto staff propose 6.9 per cent tax bump, including city building levy
City of Toronto staff are proposing a property tax increase of 5.4 per cent in the latest city budget.
Montreal
-
Bishop's students allege teacher uses degrading terms, university doing nothing
Students at Bishop's University in Sherbrooke, Que., say they're shocked and appalled by the school's apparent lack of action over a teacher they allege has been using derogatory language in her classroom for years.
-
Quebec Liberal Party leadership race officially begins
The Quebec Liberal Party leadership race is officially getting underway.
-
Uncashed cheques from Quebec or Canada? Here's how to get your money
Taxpayers' money may be sitting in Revenu Quebec or Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) coffers and it’s simple to find. Both agencies have online tools to recoup unclaimed property or cheques.
Ottawa
-
Four youths arrested after teenager stabbed during altercation inside Hillcrest High School
Two people were seriously injured during an altercation at an Ottawa high school on Monday morning. Ottawa police say four youths are in custody.
-
Ottawa driver's Jaguar SUV held for months during dispute between tow truck company, insurance provider
An Ottawa driver is speaking out after her vehicle was towed from a crash scene in early November and held for months during a dispute between a local tow truck company and insurance provider.
-
Nearly all of the Rideau Canal Skateway to open Tuesday morning
The National Capital Commission says more ice will be available to skaters on the Rideau Canal Skateway as of Tuesday morning.
Atlantic
-
Woman killed by husband in Mahone Bay, N.S., described as well-loved, funny
Family members of a 60-year-old Nova Scotia woman killed by her partner say she was an 'effortlessly funny' person who could also be lovingly honest and direct.
-
Girl, 6, dies following house fire in Lower Sackville, N.S.
A six-year-old girl has died following a house fire in Lower Sackville, N.S., over the weekend, according to an online fundraiser for her family.
-
N.S. man charged with murder in fatal Centreville fire; woman's death suspected intimate partner violence
A man has been charged with second-degree murder following a suspicious fire and death in Centreville, N.S., early Saturday morning.
London
-
Armed robbery leads to charges for London man
Around 1:50 p.m. on Sunday, police say a man went into a grocery store in the 1500-block of Adelaide Street North and placed a number of items inside a bag and left the store without paying.
-
Flurries and cold temperatures in store for this week
The wind chill continues to be a factor, making it feel like minus 13 by Monday afternoon.
-
Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner makes stops in London, Ont. 'highlighting solutions to housing crisis'
Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner is touring sites throughout southwestern Ontario on Monday.
Kitchener
-
OHL's Brantford Bulldogs sold to Zach Hyman and family
Effective Jan. 16, Hyman will officially assume control of the organization’s operations, ushering in a new chapter for the beloved hockey team.
-
Suspicious mattress fire causes 'significant smoke damage' in Guelph
Just before 7 p.m., police were asked to assist the fire department at an apartment near Waterloo Avenue and Beechwood Avenue.
-
Grand River Transit celebrates 25 years of connecting Waterloo Region
Established on January 1, 2000, following the merger of Cambridge Transit and Kitchener Transit, GRT has become a cornerstone of the community, connecting people in the region.
Northern Ontario
-
Huntsville school bus erupts into flames en route to school
Kids were evacuated from bus moments before it went up in flames.
-
Female pedestrian, 26, killed in Naughton area crash in Greater Sudbury
Greater Sudbury police are investigating after a 26-year-old female pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle in the Naughton area Monday morning.
-
Lone sailor trapped in ice sparks concern in Southern Georgian Bay
A lone sailor living on a sailboat trapped in the Georgian Bay ice has sparked concern among Penetanguishene residents.
N.L.
-
Heavy equipment used to bash into a Newfoundland bank for second time in a month
Police in eastern Newfoundland say that for the second time in less than a month thieves have used heavy equipment to smash into a bank and steal an ATM.
-
Yvonne Jones, longtime Liberal MP for Labrador, retiring from federal politics
Liberal MP Yvonne Jones speaks to reporters before a meeting of the Liberal women's caucus, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024. Jones announced this morning that she will not be running in the next federal election for her seat in Labrador. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
-
Quebec energy deal touted as new chapter for Newfoundland and Labrador heads for vote
A draft energy deal with Quebec heralded as a game-changer for indebted Newfoundland and Labrador is heading for a vote Thursday night at the legislature in St. John's, N.L.
