Federal minister Harjit Sajjan is defending his decision to accept taxpayer-funded Taylor Swift tickets for himself and his daughter.

Sajjan, the minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, was invited by PavCo, a B.C. Crown corporation that owns and operates B.C. Place where the concerts will take place.

PavCo has been donating Swift tickets to food banks and other charity organizations so that they could raffle them off and raise money. PavCo has also gifted B.C. Place suites to be auctioned off.

“This is actually supporting a very good cause, something that Taylor Swift also supports as well,” Sajjan told reporters Wednesday.

Swift will be ending her record-breaking Eras Tour this Sunday in Vancouver after almost two years, five continents and nearly 150 performances (Gian Paolo Mendoza/CBC)

He said his family had previously purchased four tickets for Swift’s concert in Toronto but ended up selling them at cost, choosing instead to attend the Vancouver concert.

“I’m actually very happy to be able to raise money and create greater awareness for the food bank,” he said.

Mayor declines tickets

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim was also invited by PavCo but turned it down.

“Mayor Sim is absolutely thrilled that Vancouver will be the final stop on Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour,” his office said in a statement.

Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim said he bought his own Taylor Swift tickets after declining PavCo’s invitation. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

“While tickets were offered to him in his capacity as the mayor of Vancouver, he declined and personally purchased tickets for himself, his family and friends. It’s a chance to join Vancouverites and visitors from around the world in celebrating this unforgettable event right here in our city.”

Swift will be ending her record-breaking Eras Tour this Sunday in Vancouver after nearly 150 performances in almost two years and on five continents.