It's been six weeks since President Barack Obama arrived in Canada where he wowed crowds, bought baked goods for the kids, supped on a mouth-watering lunch and met Prime Minister Harper, several cabinet ministers and Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff.

Alison Crawford

All the events were well-staffed and went smoothly. The security was tight, the flowers beautiful and from all accounts the meal delicious.

But being a good host has its price.

And I don't know about you, but two or three weeks after I splurge on something, the bills start rolling in.

So, how much did Obama's visit cost Canadian taxpayers?

Well, I really can't tell you — because government officials say they can't tell me.

Here's what I do know. The City of Ottawa was very quick to tally up all of its costs for security, keeping the President's motorcade route clear and helping traffic flow well around the security zone.

Officials say their costs total $3 million.

Now for the feds.

Just over a month ago, I filed an Access to Information Request with the Privy Council office.

It read, "I am looking for a fulsome breakdown of all costs associated with the visit, but not limited to security, transportation, hospitality, hotels/lodging (for staff, police, etc.), food, per diem, etc."

I received an official answer today. It is comprised of three pieces of paper. As far as I can tell, it is the title page of a caterer's proposal for the luncheon. It contains no information. It is followed by a piece of paper telling me pages two and three are exempted pursuant to sections 20(1)(c) of the Access to Information Act.

For those of you who don't live and breathe this stuff, that section relates to information that could result in material financial loss or gain to a third party.

Page four tells me something cost $2,934.75 and something else cost $139.75. The only legible section of the sheet tells me the "floral decor" cost $2,795.00.

I can of course, add one more bill to the mysterious total. My own. It costs $5 to file an Access to Information Request.

Alison Crawford