Three former Conservative senators at the heart of a spending scandal were given clear directions from their leader in the upper chamber that they could bill for certain partisan — that is, political — travel when they first arrived in the Senate. The directions were given during a two-day “boot camp” for new Tory senators that outlined expense-claim dos and don’ts, expectations for senators, and a warning to be careful with how they spent Senate money. The boot camp briefing was offered to the group of 18 senators appointed in late 2008 by Prime Minister Stephen Harper, a group that included senators Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau. Each is now under the spotlight for their spending claims — Duffy and Brazeau for housing expenses, and Wallin for travel — with auditors delivering withering reports. The briefing involved advice from LeBreton, Sen. David Tkachuk, and Senate finance officials. Such boot camps are routine for new senators. Both Liberal and Conservative senators used to attend a one-on-one briefing with former senator Sharon Carstairs, though the Tories stopped sending their senators to her after coming to government in 2006. Travel for partisan events was addressed at the meeting with LeBreton and Tkachuk, but housing allowances were not specifically mentioned, said one Conservative senator who was present but declined to be named. ottawacitizen/news/national/Senators+boot+camp+told+some+partisan+travel/8794819/story.html
Posted on: Fri, 16 Aug 2013 18:35:12 +0000
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