The Reality Behind the Duke and Duchess of Sussex's Security Costs

There is a common assumption that Canadian taxpayers are covering the personal security costs for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex while their family is in Canada. However, this is far from the truth. The couple is not in Canada and haven't been for months, opting to live in the United States instead.

Why the Assumption Lingers

Despite clarification that the couple is not in Canada, concerns and misinformation persist. Some argue that even if they were in the country, the costs are unnecessary and a waste of taxpayers' money. Others see it as a symbol of the royal family's importance and relevance.

Current Living Situation

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, now known as Archduke Harry and Meghan, the Countess of Sussex, are currently residing in California. They have not been in Canada for months, making any security costs related to their presence in the country a misnomer.

Arguments Against the Current Security Costs

For many Canadians, the high-profile security costs associated with the royal family are seen as an unnecessary expense. Even more so when compared with other government expenditures, which many perceive as less essential but equally costly.

Comparative Government Expenditures

Some specific examples of the billions spent on less pressing matters include:

Buying out a pipeline to potentially harm the Alberta economy. Bailing out Bombardier, a Quebec-based company, which is widely viewed as a waste of taxpayer money. Supporting the activities of past Governor Generals, leading to extravagant retirement funds for retired yet still active politicians.

These expenditures, totaling billions, are often seen as a waste of money, and the security costs for the royal family are just a drop in the vast ocean of such expenditures.

The Perspective of a Canadian Taxpayer

A Canadian born and raised, with 75 years of life experience, asserts that the ￡100,000 spent annually on ensuring the safety of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex is a minor expense in the grand scheme of government spending. They argue that while other high-profile expenditures may be justifiable, security costs for the royal family are not.

Comparative Analysis

If taxpayers were equally bothered by the study of the sex lives of ants, they might justifiably complain about spending money on this. However, many prefer to see the security costs of the royal family as a necessary and more acceptable expense.

Conclusion

While the security of the royal family, particularly the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, is a legitimate concern, it is not a priority that justifies the hefty price tag. Other government expenditures, while perhaps less glamorous, are often more controversial and costly. A more reasonable balance must be struck in managing government spending to ensure that resources are allocated where they are most needed and valued.

Ultimately, the security costs of the royal family, though higher than one might expect, are still a fraction of the larger fiscal challenges faced by the Canadian government.