Quebec has spent $600,000 to get into Davos summit over 10 years or so: documents

QUEBEC – Documents show the Quebec government has spent nearly $600,000 over the last 10 years or so to have its representatives get into the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

The Canadian Press obtained the information from Quebec’s International Relations Department after an access request.

The sum covers costs related to accreditation for Quebec premiers and cabinet ministers over the years but does not include money spent on travel or accommodation.

Premier Philippe Couillard is currently attending this year’s event.

The documents show that Quebec has handed over about $580,000 in the last decade or so to the organization that runs the economic summit.

Figures were not available for the years preceding the 2004 fiscal year.

A spokesman for Couillard says the cost of attending the summit is well worth it.

”All Quebec governments, regardless of the political party, have taken part,” said Harold Fortin. ”It’s a unique opportunity to meet business and political leaders at the same place. The benefits for Quebecers far outweigh the cost of attending.”