Federal minister Harjit Sajjan defends accepting taxpayer-funded Taylor Swift tickets
Federal minister Harjit Sajjan is under scrutiny for accepting taxpayer-funded Taylor Swift tickets for himself and his daughter. Sajjan, who oversees the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, defended his decision, stating that he was invited by PavCo, a B.C. Crown corporation that owns and operates B.C. Place Stadium where the concerts will be held.
PavCo has been donating Swift tickets to food banks and other charity organizations to raise money. Additionally, B.C. Place suites have been gifted to be auctioned off. Sajjan justified his acceptance of the tickets by emphasizing that it supports a good cause, one that Taylor Swift herself advocates for.
In a media scrum on Parliament Hill, Sajjan explained that he had previously purchased tickets for Swift’s concert in Toronto but decided to attend the Vancouver concert instead. He also disclosed making a $1,500 donation to the Greater Vancouver Food Bank, showcasing his commitment to raising awareness and funds for charitable organizations.
Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim declined the PavCo tickets, opting to purchase tickets for himself, his family, and friends. Similarly, B.C. Premier David Eby and Tourism Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert also did not accept the tickets, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that ticket allocations benefit key partners and contribute to community growth.
Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour will conclude in Vancouver this Sunday after nearly 150 performances across five continents over two years. The controversy surrounding Sajjan’s acceptance of the tickets highlights the delicate balance between public officials’ responsibilities and ethical considerations in accepting gifts and perks.
