Governor General Mary Simon in a 16-month period billed taxpayers nearly $38,000 for silk jackets, cocktail party dresses and other outfits and accessories, accounts show. Charges ranged from $675 for a silk jacket to $380 shoes, a $159 suede vest and $95 scarf.

“Prior to her appointment as governor general Ms. Simon had officially retired from public life and donated all her business attire and formal wear to charities,” cabinet wrote in an Inquiry Of Ministry tabled in the Commons. The Inquiry said in the period from July 2, 2021 to October 28, 2022 Simon billed $37,698 for outfits.