B.C. government spent over $104K at Fairmont hotels in two years

Between April 2024 and March 2026, the B.C. government spent over $104,000 at Fairmont hotels, including $36,382 at Fairmont Vancouver Airport, $30,577 at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and $23,499 at Fairmont Waterfront Vancouver.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation flagged the spending this week, arguing the government prioritized luxury over value. Carson Binda, B.C. director of the federation, said the spending is particularly troubling given the province is hiking taxes on October 1 and food bank lines have reached record levels. "I think it shows that this government's out of touch with the way it uses taxpayer money," Binda said. Binda called for greater transparency in how government selects hotels for ministers, staff, and public servants.

The Ministry of Attorney General accounted for the bulk of the spending: $45,908 at Fairmont hotels overall, including $31,615 at Fairmont Vancouver Airport. Two of the three Fairmont properties are on the government's approved hotel list at $337 per night, while alternatives like Accent Inn-Vancouver Airport cost $215 per night. Fairmont Vancouver Airport is not on the approved list but cost over $300 per night.

The Ministry of Finance responded that all government travel follows established approval and accountability requirements, and that employees must select the most cost-effective option meeting business needs. Where costs exceed limits, pre-authorization from an expense authority is required and considered case-by-case, accounting for availability, urgency, and peak travel periods. The ministry cited $467 million in savings across travel, office, business expenses, conferences and events in the 2025-26 fiscal year. The Ministry of Attorney General noted that jury sequestration is directed by courts and accommodation requirements can sometimes not be reserved far in advance because trial timing and duration are often uncertain.