Federal departments and their ministers have spent over $800,000 to hire speechwriters in the past three years, according to information tabled in the House of Commons.
The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations has been the highest spender for such services, with $142,439 in contracts since 2019. Environment and Climate Change Canada came in second at $134,139.
The information was provided by departments following a written question by Conservative MP Mike Lake (Edmonton-Wetaskiwin). The response was tabled by the government in an Inquiry of Ministry on Jan. 30.
Lake sought information on contracts such as dates, providers, and on the specific speeches produced.
Ministers have used speechwriters when giving addresses to interest groups, but also when they participate in House of Commons debates or testify before committee….