Stornoway is the name of the official residence of the Leader of the Opposition in Canada. It is provided in recognition of the opposition leader's position. Located at 541 Acacia Avenue in the Rockcliffe Park area of Ottawa, Stornoway is valued at over C$2 million and is maintained with $70,000 a year in government funds.
Stornoway has served its present purpose since 1950 (when it was purchased by a group of concerned citizens, and later transferred to the government). In 1993, the house became an issue when Bloc Québécois leader Lucien Bouchard declined to move into the residence as a mark of protest against the federal government, choosing instead to live in nearby Hull, Quebec. Following the next election the new opposition leader, Preston Manning, declined to move in for a different reason: protesting that it was too extravagant and a waste of taxpayer money. Manning asked that he be provided with a more 'modest' residence, but soon relented and moved into Stornoway to much public snickering. Subsequent opposition leaders have happily taken advantage of Stornoway and other perks that come with the job (including a car and driver, and a significant pay raise over a normal MP).
Stephen Harper, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, is the current resident of Stornoway.
Other Canadian official residences
Last updated: 06-12-2005 18:47:12
