BIG SPEAKERS, BIG BUCKS
Hillary Clinton: Paid $300,000 US for a speech at the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) in March and $275,000 to speak at the University at Buffalo last fall (the money went to the Clinton family’s philanthropic organization).
Former U.S. president Bill Clinton: Paid $250,000 in 2012 for speech at UCLA. In 2013, was paid $500,000 to speak at a 90th birthday gala for former Israeli president Shimon Peres (following controversy, the money was donated to an Israeli charity instead of the Clinton Foundation as initially planned). It’s estimated that Bill Clinton has earned more than $100 million delivering speeches.
Justin Trudeau, leader of federal Liberals: Had charged up to $20,000 for speeches to a variety of groups until 2012 (before he became leader), including one to the Grace Foundation in New Brunswick. The charity complained it lost $21,000 at an event for which Trudeau was paid $20,000 (Trudeau offered to repay the speaking fee). Does not charge speaking fees now.
Chris Hadfield, astronaut and first Canadian commander of the International Space Station: Fees are “$20,001 or more” as listed by Speakers’ Spotlight agency.
Clara Hughes, six-time Olympic medallist and mental health advocate: Fees are $10,001 to $20,000 as listed by Speakers’ Spotlight.
Ezra Levant, broadcaster on Sun TV, author: Fees are $5,001 to $10,000 as listed by Speakers’ Spotlight.
Evan Solomon, journalist, host of CBC’s Power & Politics: Fees are $5,001 to $10,000 as listed by Speakers’ Spotlight.