Trudeau govt department to build $2.6 MILLION monument to itself

"Employees can find themselves separated from their families for extended periods while posted in distant locales," said Staff. "This involves sacrifices by spouses and children who leave family, friends and sometimes careers behind."

The statue will be placed on a 500 square-metre plot of land "to accommodate gatherings and small ceremonies" near the Foreign Affairs department headquarters on Sussex Drive in Ottawa.

The monument is set to be completed by 2024.

The department has invited artists and landscapers to participate by submitting proposals in what the department called a "competition."

"An expert jury is being assembled for this competition... The jury will play an advisory role to the Minister of Canadian Heritage as minister responsible for commemorative monuments on federal lands."

"Employees of the Government of Canada working in Global Affairs missions abroad including locally-engaged staff support, promote and defend Canadian interests and values," the notice continued.

"Working in 178 missions around the world, these representatives of Canada manage diplomatic relations with international governments, advance Canadian foreign policy priorities and foster economic opportunities for Canada in the global marketplace."

"They provide humanitarian assistance to local populations in times of crisis, allocate funding to development projects, work to eradicate poverty and are the first point of contact for Canadians who need assistance when traveling overseas," wrote staff.