Article content continued

Photo by Ryan Remiorz/CANADIAN PRESS

It was well-reported that U.S. President Donald Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, went to the performance. Even so, her name doesn’t appear in the list.

According to the documents, the tickets cost just under US$18,000, or about $23,000 Canadian.

“The story highlights how Canada is a committed global citizen, and highlights priorities of diversity and inclusion. The story also strongly underlines the Canada-U.S. friendship and cooperation and advances Canada’s interest,” says a hospitality form justifying the purchase.

The form, filled out by Michael Grant, Canada’s permanent representative to the United Nations in New York, says the outcome of the event was to create “positive perception of Canada and stronger UN relationships.” Another outcome is listed, but was redacted.

I think it's legitimate for Canadians to know who the prime minister is hanging out with when he's abroad. And this would certainly count

“Expenses related to international outreach are an important part of advancing and protecting Canadian interests,” said Brendan Sutton, a spokesman for Global Affairs Canada, in an emailed response.

The 502 tickets were distributed to those who RSVPed yes, he said.

“The special Canadian night was a timely showcase during our country’s 150th celebration, gaining unprecedented coverage of Come From Away and of our strong Canada-U.S. relationship.”

Even if the money for tickets was well-spent in pursuit of diplomacy, Aaron Wudrick, the CTF’s federal director, said Canadians should be allowed to know who was invited.

“Shouldn’t we be able to know who was invited to go, and who showed up?” he said. “If taxpayers are on the hook, surely we have a right to know who’s going … I see no reason to redact names of UN diplomats. Doesn’t make sense.”