During a recent educational trip to European battlefields, a Newfoundland and Labrador politician, recognized for her vibrant yellow rubber boots, distributed miniature versions of her iconic footwear to students. The cost of these unique keychains, purchased through a sole-sourced contract with a company in western Newfoundland, was covered by taxpayers’ money.
Andrea Barbour, the then-Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Recreation, led the Trail of the Caribou pilgrimage to sites in France and Belgium, where 100 students from across the province visited significant battlefield memorials like Beaumont-Hamel, where the Royal Newfoundland Regiment suffered heavy losses.
The minister directed the purchase of 150 custom-designed rubber boot keychains from a local company named Built by the Bay, with each keychain featuring the province’s official floral emblem, the pitcher plant. These gifts were intended as a token of gratitude from the minister’s office to external participants and cost $1,035, inclusive of taxes, funded by the department’s arts and heritage division.
Built by the Bay, described as a small family business run by siblings, was the supplier of these keychains. The company’s account holder, Victoria Snow (also known as Victoria Young), received the payment. The 3D-printed keychains were distributed during the pilgrimage, commemorating the sacrifices made by Newfoundland and Labrador soldiers during World War I.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Recreation defended the expenditure, stating that it adhered to government procurement policies. The statement emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and opportunities for youth in the region.
Despite the public backlash over the use of public funds for personalized gifts, Minister Barbour did not address the controversy. Following her public speaking difficulties during the visit to France, she was subsequently reassigned to the role of Minister of Environment and Conservation.