Harry and Meghan in Canada
There have been a number of articles about whether or not Canada should foot some or all of the bill for the protection of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle after their announcement that they would be moving to Canada.
I'm not sure how much this represents the average thinking (writing an article contrary to those out there isn't very exciting). So, naturally, most of what I've read has been rather negative.
My thoughts on the topic are rather more muddied.
As far as I can tell, it is in Canada's best interest to have them here. If providing security is the difference between having that and not, then I think it is a simple decision. And I would also say that it is likely not without merit.
But, firstly. Why is this a good thing? Well, simply put, they will be generating a lot of revenue in Canada, and likely paying taxes on it. Not to mention likely bringing a boost to local businesses and tourism. In short, they will likely have a more positive impact on the economy than the cost of their security.
What makes me think this? Consider the repairs they offering to reimburse the British people for. Millions of dollars. This couple is not anticipating to be living a meagre lifestyle. And, frankly, they don't need to. One is a well paid actress and the other Prince of international fame. Between acting and attending talks and conferences they will likely be able to generate substantial wealth in Canada.
Beyond which, living here 6 months of the year and holding property means at the very least they won't be able to avoid paying property taxes and they will be investing a lot of those millions earned into local businesses.
If I were to offer up anything in criticism, it might be that rather than the Federal government, it should be the Provincial government who foots the bill, as they will benefit most directly.
In addition to all of this, there is the matter that even without their titles, they are still foreign dignitaries. And from a nation with which ours has substantial ties and a long lasting alliance. In fact, from Canada's perspective, we have never not been allied with Britain. It doubt that it would be in any way unusual for our government to spend money on security in such an arrangement. The lone peculiarity of the situation would be the length of time.
However, I can't say that I would expect them to accept such an offer anyway. Simply put, money coming from the government would come with restrictions and of late, uncertainty. It would be difficult to promise that the fund would continue across administrations or that they would even be sufficient in the first place.
And, given the likely ways in which these two are to make money, it puts them on a rather erratic schedule. In all likelihood, it makes the most sense for them to foot the bill themselves, and at most accept a minor stipend from one level government or the other.
So, there is my stance. I neither agree nor disagree. I'm not sure it makes sense nor would even be what they want. But, I don't think it makes sense to raise a stink over it even should it come to pass.
I'm not sure how much this represents the average thinking (writing an article contrary to those out there isn't very exciting). So, naturally, most of what I've read has been rather negative.
My thoughts on the topic are rather more muddied.
As far as I can tell, it is in Canada's best interest to have them here. If providing security is the difference between having that and not, then I think it is a simple decision. And I would also say that it is likely not without merit.
But, firstly. Why is this a good thing? Well, simply put, they will be generating a lot of revenue in Canada, and likely paying taxes on it. Not to mention likely bringing a boost to local businesses and tourism. In short, they will likely have a more positive impact on the economy than the cost of their security.
What makes me think this? Consider the repairs they offering to reimburse the British people for. Millions of dollars. This couple is not anticipating to be living a meagre lifestyle. And, frankly, they don't need to. One is a well paid actress and the other Prince of international fame. Between acting and attending talks and conferences they will likely be able to generate substantial wealth in Canada.
Beyond which, living here 6 months of the year and holding property means at the very least they won't be able to avoid paying property taxes and they will be investing a lot of those millions earned into local businesses.
If I were to offer up anything in criticism, it might be that rather than the Federal government, it should be the Provincial government who foots the bill, as they will benefit most directly.
In addition to all of this, there is the matter that even without their titles, they are still foreign dignitaries. And from a nation with which ours has substantial ties and a long lasting alliance. In fact, from Canada's perspective, we have never not been allied with Britain. It doubt that it would be in any way unusual for our government to spend money on security in such an arrangement. The lone peculiarity of the situation would be the length of time.
However, I can't say that I would expect them to accept such an offer anyway. Simply put, money coming from the government would come with restrictions and of late, uncertainty. It would be difficult to promise that the fund would continue across administrations or that they would even be sufficient in the first place.
And, given the likely ways in which these two are to make money, it puts them on a rather erratic schedule. In all likelihood, it makes the most sense for them to foot the bill themselves, and at most accept a minor stipend from one level government or the other.
So, there is my stance. I neither agree nor disagree. I'm not sure it makes sense nor would even be what they want. But, I don't think it makes sense to raise a stink over it even should it come to pass.
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