Filet mignon to go

It looks like the Prime Minister truly enjoys getting a home cooked meal. That must be why he is having his meals cooked at his official residence and delivered to his real residence.

It was just revealed this week that the PM and his family are having their meals delivered to them from his old home 24 Sussex Drive.  The Trudeau's have been residing at the “Rideau Cottage” on the grounds of Rideau Hall while 24 Sussex undergoes major renovations.

But the kitchen at 24 Sussex is apparently still open, and so is the swimming pool, which his father originally had installed at the official residence.  Trudeau and his family reportedly use it as well, despite the closure of the main house.

As can be expected, keeping these facilities open, along with the other routine costs of operating a house, whether occupied or not, cost considerable money. When you add in the additional costs of maintaining security of what is an official residence, they amount to tens of thousands of dollars a month according to the National Capital Commission, which is responsible for all official buildings in Ottawa.

The information missing in the reports of the Sussex Drive catering is what is wrong with the kitchen at the Rideau Cottage?   Apparently, there is nothing wrong with it, and it could quite capably handle the needs of the Prime Minister's kitchen staff. 

This is just one more blow to the image of the Prime Minister who has been trying to project his “sunny ways” as just one of us.   Following on the heels of his disastrous Bollywood Dress Up Tour to India, and his undeclared vacations on the Aga Khan's private island, he has clearly shown he is not relating to the average joe.

I hope he at least tips that delivery driver!

Frank Likely is a retired Anglican minister and past president of the Springhill and Area Chamber of Commerce.