A taxpayer-funded trip to Washington, D.C., by Brampton Councillor Rod Power and director of economic development Clare Barnett cost a total of $5,244 CAD, according to records obtained through freedom of information laws. The three-day excursion in September 2023 was ostensibly arranged to attend “The Art of Living World Cultural Festival” and meet with business and trade officials to attract investment to the city. However, thepointer.com reported that significant portions of the official itinerary were redacted by city staff before the documents were released, leaving taxpayers in the dark about several hours of official scheduling.
Redacted Itineraries and Unexplained Hotel Bookings Raise Questions
Freedom of information documents show that while certain meetings—such as an afternoon stop with policy officer Robert Capecchi and a session with senior trade commissioner Andrea Clements—were logged on September 28, 2023, subsequent days lacked transparency. It remains unclear who the delegation met with on September 29 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and again from 3 p.m. until the festival began at 6 p.m., because City of Brampton staff redacted those details. Hotel records show duplicate bookings at Hilton Hotels and Resorts under Clare Barnett's name. One receipt listed a one-night stay for $528 USD starting September 28, while another dated September 29 covered two guest rooms totaling $895 USD. City staff provided no explanation for why the hotel stay was booked twice, and no hotel receipt listed Councillor Power’s name.
Taxpayer-Funded Uber Fares and Restaurant Bills Total Hundreds in Extra Costs
Beyond airfare totaling $2,162 CAD and accommodation expenses, the delegation billed local taxpayers for multiple upscale meals and ground transportation. Dining receipts included an $87 USD charge at The Capital Grille and two separate charges of $84 USD and $87 USD at Lenfant Grill on September 28, 2023. Additional smaller charges covered coffee and pastries at Starbucks and airport cafes in Washington and Toronto. Ground transit added another $745.85 CAD to the public tab, featuring multiple Uber rides and taxi fares, including a $139.45 CAD trip to the airport for Councillor Power on October 1.
Questions Regarding Tangible Economic Benefits for Brampton
When asked by thepointer.com whether the Washington mission resulted in concrete economic outcomes, new business openings, or job creation in Brampton, neither Councillor Power nor city media relations provided a response. The expenditure fits into a broader pattern of international travel by Brampton municipal leaders during the current council term, a trend that has drawn public scrutiny alongside similar trips to Detroit and destinations across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
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