Paris

Lorne Gunter is a seasoned columnist who also looks at Mayor Sohi's trip to Paris where homelessness is front and centre. Gunter raises two very important questions; what successes does Sohi have to share and Sohi's successes an example of others' successes he'll learn from. My concern is this trip is going to cost Edmontonions much, much more than the $8,454 budgeted for the trip.

Mayor Sohi is off to Paris June 19 to 23 for a meeting run by Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness and UN-Habitat. Mayors and experts from around the world are meeting to discuss challenges cities are facing, and the best practices and innovative solutions to address homelessness. Sohi is one of two Canadian delegates, representing both Edmonton and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

According to his staff Sohi’s office budget allows for one international trip per year and this will be Sohi's fourth overseas trip as mayor since April 2022. The travel and hotel budget, for Sohi and one staffer, is $8,454 who are flying economy and will stay in “budget accommodations,” according to his office.

It isn't the cost of the trip for two to Paris that should concern us but the cost to Edmonton taxpayers after the two return. When I see a meeting run by names like Ruff Institute of Global Homelessness and UN-Habitat the first thing I want to know is who are they affiliated with and connected to, what agenda and policies are they behind and wanting to push at this meeting and what will be the cost of acting upon the recommendations?