More Champagne Socialism from the BC Government: “$35,000 budget for open bar bureaucrat party” according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
By Sasha Izard
April 7, 2026
In recent articles I showed how when the BC NDP government openly doubletalks about “kitchen table issues”, what they are really providing is champagne socialism for themselves and the development/real estate industry, who in turn provide champagne socialism in the form of bubbly wine for at least one student group, and gifts of wine and chocolates to the Premier David Eby, and Ravi Kahlon.
Above screenshot is of bubbly Calabrian wine, which was poured for UVic Real Estate Club students at a building owned by a UDI lobby member company. A former head of the UDI was present at the event.
BC Housing’s out of control spending spree: $82,249 spent in only 3 and a half years, on costs related to a single lobby for real estate and development. – CRD Watch Homepage
$10,000 a pop, and VIP Tables included: how BC Housing has been funnelling taxpayer money ($62,500 in less than 5 years) into the UDI, a registered lobbying organization for development and real estate, through $10K sponsorship agreements. – CRD Watch Homepage
Ravi Kahlon’s Kitchen Table – CRD Watch Homepage
Spending taxpayer money on development lobby social events, and other ethical conundrums faced by BC Housing employees. – CRD Watch Homepage
Above: Screenshots from a Freedom of Information request to BC Housing. BC Housing paid the UDI for a Platinum Sponsorhip using taxpayer dollars which includes a champagne reception.
BC Housing also engaged in its own version of limousine liberalism charging around $100 trips to or from development lobby events from a company that offers limousine services according to the invoices charged to the taxpayer.
BC Housing’s out of control spending spree: $82,249 spent in only 3 and a half years, on costs related to a single lobby for real estate and development. – CRD Watch Homepage
I also showed how the Premier and Ravi Kahlon and other top government oriented honchos have received numerous gifts of wine and chocolates from the development/real estate lobby.
Urban Development Institute / Michael Drummond, President & CEO – 12-Month Lobbying Summary – Lobbyists Registry – Office of the Registrar or Lobbying of BC
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Now the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has revealed that the BC Government “budgeted $35,000 for a reception in Victoria, including an open bar.
“Government must explain $35,000 budget for open bar bureaucrat party
Author: Carson Binda 2026/03/10
News Release British Columbia“
Newsroom
“Bureaucrats billed taxpayers for an open-bar party at a glitzy hotel, while the finance minister pinky promises she’s looking for savings,” said Carson Binda, B.C. Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “Open bar-parties for bureaucrats while the province borrows billions is like the band playing as the ship sinks.” “
“The hotel’s Hunt Room was set aside as “hold space” for the premier, according to invoices.
The catering and bar bill exceeded $11,680.
The $1,752.44 bar tab included:
- 42 glasses of Botegga Prosecco,
- Another full bottle of Botegga Prosecco,
- 6 shots of El Jimador Tequila,
- 10 shots of Jack Daniel’s,
- 19 glasses of 5 Vineyards Sauv Blanc,
- 10 glasses of Frind Rose,
- 13 glasses of Frind Big Red, and
- Dozens of other cocktails, beers, wines and spirits.
Catering charges include $1,080 for “warm breads & assorted dips,” and $1,800 worth of “antipasto platter: local cured & smoked meats, cheeses, pickled vegetables, olives.”
Another $14,500 was set aside for “misc expenses: not limited to AV, hotel, decor, photography, printing, honorarium.”
The government did not request information from guests and is “unable to provide a guest list,” according to the FOI records.
“When politicians are spending thousands of taxpayer dollars on liquor and fancy cheeses, they should at least know who they’re buying it for,” Binda said.
Government is borrowing billions of dollars and hiking taxes on families while politicians and bureaucrats slap those same families with big bills for a boozy night out.”
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See also:
Index of articles and other resources on government lavishness using public funds. – CRD Watch Homepage
BC Housing’s out of control spending spree: $82,249 spent in only 3 and a half years, on costs related to a single lobby for real estate and development. – CRD Watch Homepage
$10,000 a pop, and VIP Tables included: how BC Housing has been funnelling taxpayer money ($62,500 in less than 5 years) into the UDI, a registered lobbying organization for development and real estate, through $10K sponsorship agreements. – CRD Watch Homepage
Index of Articles regarding Jet Flights for City of Victoria Staff to development lobby events, that were charged to the City. – CRD Watch Homepage
Ravi Kahlon’s Kitchen Table – CRD Watch Homepage
Spending taxpayer money on development lobby social events, and other ethical conundrums faced by BC Housing employees. – CRD Watch Homepage
CRD Watch Homepage 
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