B.C. woman's petition aims to stop funding for federal opposition leader's home

A Victoria resident has launched a petition urging the federal government to cease funding Stornoway, the official residence of Canada's Opposition Leader. Carole Burman initiated the online petition, aiming to end the 75-year-old perk, which she argues comes at a cost to Canadian taxpayers. Burman highlighted that Canada appears to be the only G7 nation that provides funding or housing for its opposition leader.

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Currently in the G7, no other country provides funding or housing for the leader of the Opposition.

Stornoway, a sprawling 19-room mansion spanning 9,500 square feet, was built in 1914. It was acquired by a trust in the 1950s to house the Opposition Leader and later sold to the federal government in the 1970s. Despite its historical use, former leader Preston Manning initially refused to occupy it, deeming it too extravagant. However, numerous political figures from various parties have resided there this century, including Stephen Harper, Stephane Dion, Thomas Mulcair, and currently, Pierre Poilievre.

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I think we should maintain it as part of our heritage of Canada, as part of our democracy and I’m happy to see Pierre Poilievre living in Stornoway.

While some, like Scott Heatherington, president of the Rockcliffe Park Residents Association, believe Stornoway should be maintained as part of Canada's heritage and democracy, its upkeep comes with substantial costs. A 2021 report indicated that the average annual operating and maintenance expenses for Stornoway were nearly $80,000. Furthermore, the property requires an estimated $1.25 million investment over the next decade to address deferred maintenance issues.

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I just think the last thing on our minds should be 24 Sussex Dr.

Green Party leader Elizabeth May is sponsoring Burman's online petition, acknowledging that the Victoria resident has sparked a national conversation. This initiative coincides with ongoing plans to restore the Prime Minister's official residence at 24 Sussex Drive and a fundraising campaign for that project. Notably, Poilievre has previously expressed reservations about the 24 Sussex Drive restoration, stating it should not be a priority. Burman's petition, however, focuses on the principle of fiscal prudence, asserting that Canadian taxpayers should no longer fund Stornoway, irrespective of who occupies it. The petition is set to be presented to parliament in the fall, after which the government will have 45 days to respond.

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The petition is asking that Canadian taxpayers no longer fund Stornoway, regardless of the occupant.