A politician from Newfoundland and Labrador, known for her distinctive yellow rubber boots, distributed miniature versions of her iconic footwear to students during a recent educational trip to European battlefields, with the cost covered by public funds.
The exclusive contract for these custom boot keychains was awarded to a company located on the western coast of Newfoundland, associated with a former Progressive Conservatives candidate from the previous year’s provincial election.
The journey, named the Trail of the Caribou, took place in France and Belgium from June 28 to July 8, led by Andrea Barbour, who was then serving as the Minister of Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Recreation. The expedition included 100 students from various regions of the province, visiting significant battlefield memorial sites like Beaumont-Hamel, where the Royal Newfoundland Regiment suffered heavy casualties on July 1, 1916.
Documents obtained through a request for access to information revealed that Barbour, the PC Member of the House of Assembly for St. Barbe-L’Anse aux Meadows, instructed the department to procure 150 specially designed 3D-printed rubber boot keychains from a local company named Built by the Bay. These keychains featured the province’s official floral emblem, the pitcher plant, on the boot design.
The keychains were intended as gestures of gratitude from the minister’s office to external participants. The total expense for the keychains, including taxes, amounted to $1,035, funded through the department’s arts and heritage division.
Before entering politics, Barbour gained popularity on social media for her unique dances and phrases, often sporting her recognizable yellow rubber boots. While it is common for politicians to distribute gifts during such events, typically province-themed pins are chosen. In this instance, the taxpayer-funded gifts were directly tied to Barbour’s personal brand and were presented during a solemn visit to battlefields where many Newfoundland and Labrador soldiers perished or were injured during World War I.
The vendor, Built by the Bay, was described as a “small family business established by three siblings” in York Harbour. However, due to the children’s age, the funds were directed to their mother, Victoria Snow, also known as Victoria Young. Victoria Young ran unsuccessfully as a PC candidate in Burgeo-La Poile during the previous provincial election.
The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, and Recreation defended the expense, stating it adhered to all relevant government procurement protocols. The department emphasized that the purchase supported a small business run by youth, one of whom has autism.
Despite the justification provided, there was no clarification regarding Barbour’s decision to use public funds for acquiring keychains closely associated with her public persona. Barbour did not respond to inquiries directed to her office, while the premier’s office deferred to the culture department’s statement.
Barbour faced criticism during her trip to France for struggling with her speech delivery and pronunciation, which led to her subsequent relocation to the role of environment and conservation minister.
