Brodie Fenlon Globe and Mail Update Last updated on Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2009
A portion of a $3-million grant from the federal government's controversial tourism stimulus fund will be used to bring former U.S. president Bill Clinton to Toronto for a mass public speaking event at the Canadian National Exhibition, The Globe and Mail has learned. About 25,000 people are expected at the Clinton-for-the-masses speaking engagement at BMO Field in the second weekend of the fair, which opens Aug. 21, sources said. Fairgoers will be charged a nominal fee to see the 42nd president of the United States, a frequent visitor to Canada who earns top dollar in speaking fees. It will be his first Canadian appearance since he personally helped to negotiate the release of two U.S. journalists held in North Korea earlier this month. Natural Resources Minister Lisa Raitt is expected to announce Monday that The Ex will receive $3-million from Canada's Marquee Tourism Events Program. Ms. Raitt's office did not return calls.
On average, Mr. Clinton earns about $175,000 (U.S.) a gig. From 2006-2008, the two-term president earned $4.6-million at about two dozen Canadian public speaking appearances, according to financial disclosure documents filed by his wife, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.
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