Article content

A Canadian Forces VIP trip that ended in a sex assault charge against former NHL player Dave “Tiger” Williams cost taxpayers more than $337,000, according to figures compiled by Postmedia.

When Williams was charged in February, the Canadian Forces suggested such trips, which involve sending celebrities and sports personalities overseas to boost the morale of troops, cost around $15,000 each.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Controversial Canadian military VIP 'party flight' cost taxpayers more than $337K Back to video

The Dec. 2-3, 2017 flight to Greece and Latvia was planned by the office of Chief of the Defence Staff Gen. Jon Vance and involved 30 military and civilian VIPs travelling on a Royal Canadian Air Force passenger jet that can seat 194.

The trip has been dubbed the “party” flight by some military personnel because of what unfolded on the Polaris aircraft. VIPs were allowed to bring their own alcohol on the plane and there are allegations two individuals were so drunk they urinated themselves. Video from the flight showed people with their drinks — including one of Vance’s staff — dancing in the aisles of the aircraft as a rock band played at the back of the plane. Amplifiers were also set up in the aisles in direct violation of aircraft safety procedures.