Canada Spends $5M on Milan Consulate, Art

0:00Global Affairs Canada dropped nearly $5,500,000 to reopen a full consulate in Milan, Italy, back in 20. 23. This spot was shut down almost 20 years ago, under the harbor government to cut costs, then brought back bigger under Trudeau. The cash-covered renovations, rent, and set up in a glassy building right in the city center. They showed out close to $400,000 just on furniture, carpets, signs and decor, including $59,000 for $7, pieces of indigenous artwork, like upcycled pink cowboy boots, and a fur-midden sculpture. Shipping, frames, and installs added another $25,000 or so. Critics zeroed in on quirky items like boots that got $18,000, even if proceeds went to charity. The Canadian taxpayer's federation is fired up, calling it a waste when Canadians struggle with their own bills. Director Franco Tarasano asked why fund fancy art in Milan instead of leaving money in pockets back home, especially with the full embassy in Rome, handling the same services

1:03like passports and citizenship just a one hour flight away. This consulate, closed in 2007 as part of spending cuts, got downgraded to an honorary trade office in 2013, then upgraded. Again in 2019, after Italy pushed for a proper diplomat-led setup under the Vienna Convention. Former officials once argued, Milan is Italy's business hub, worth the investment for trade. Global Affairs says the project came in 2 million under the expected budget, with most going to an Italian firm for eco-friendly builds. Operation since opening total under 2 million so far, mostly rent. Still, questions linger on whether taxpayers see real value from these global outposts. From your city, powered by AI, this is Canada News Today.