Recently, Metro Vancouver’s team shared a video and images from their visit to the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal. During the trip, Sue Mah, a Metro Vancouver employee, highlighted Stella, the robotic dog, impressive yoga skills, and an event they attended.

This journey took place only a few months after a Global News investigation revealed that Metro Vancouver had spent over $64,000 of taxpayers’ money on lavish food and drinks at a conference in Toronto.

Mike Hurley, the Chair of Metro Vancouver, pledged for a change, particularly in putting a stop to international travel, at least for some. “I plan to halt international travel for board and committee members. I am eager to get feedback from the staff,” said Hurley.

Despite these promises, travel expenses continue to rise while the residents of Metro Vancouver face significant tax increases linked to the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is approximately $3 billion over its budget.

The news of the Lisbon trip elicited criticism from Daniel Fontaine, a councillor from New Westminster. He expressed his concern about Metro Vancouver staff traveling internationally, staying in luxurious places, and posting about it, all while the public is losing confidence in Metro Vancouver.

John Rustad, the leader of the BC Conservative party, called the travel irresponsible, given that all expenses and budgeting need to be scrutinized.

The staff members who traveled to Lisbon are part of Invest Vancouver, a service promoted as Metro Vancouver’s regional economic development service. This agency was initiated about five years ago, despite Metro Vancouver’s primary mandate being to provide regional utility services related to drinking water, liquid waste, and solid waste.

Fontaine and Rustad both questioned the necessity and appropriateness of these expenses and the role of Metro Vancouver in such activities. Global News reached out to Metro Vancouver’s communications staff with several questions, but no answers have been provided to date.