She doesn’t have access to the executive lounge so taxpayers should pay the $500 so she can go sit and have a free drink and get … taco chips.
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Jane Philpott is said to be a good health minister, a doctor by profession, and generally as smart cookie.
Here’s a look at the travel costs she incurred, as revealed by her office, and how they compare to bills for limousine service disclosed by other cabinet ministers.
The minister’s department is also reviewing 20 trips to Toronto Pearson International Airport that cost a total of $3,815 to see if taxpayers were charged fair-market value.
Philpott says she gave that response on the advice of her department but concedes she could have provided more detail.
While the Tories demanded Philpott repay the $1,700, her office revealed even higher expenses paid to the same limo service – Executive Sedan Livery Service Inc. – including a $1,994 bill for a vehicle on the day the minister spoke at a July gathering of the Assembly of First Nations in Niagara Falls, Ont.
The matter is the subject of a complaint to the ethics commissioner from Conservative MP Colin Carrie, who is concerned that the owner of the auto service was a volunteer on Philpott’s election campaign.
Federal Health Minister Jane Philpot continues to take heat for her less than full disclosure of limo expenses as she traveled around the Hamilton/ Toronto area a while back.
While Philpott’s office said the minister won’t use the limo service again, it stopped short of saying she would repay the money, noting the transportation was for legitimate business.
New Democrat MP Charlie Angus said he hopes there is a take away for the new Liberal government on the importance of accountability standards for ministers.
“I have already taken steps to prevent this from occurring in the future”, she said.
It is important that Prime Minister Trudeau send a signal from the top about spending, said Aaron Wudrick, federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.
Dawson’s office confirmed Friday it has received an investigation request regarding Philpott and will look into the matter.
The prime minister also needs to articulate that what happened in Philpott’s office is not acceptable, Carrie added in an interview.
Shirani added he resents the suggestion he’s somehow playing the system or that he is an “insider” in any way.
Earlier in the day, Reza Shirani – the owner of the limo company – said he was willing to personally reimburse taxpayers for the cost.
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“I know that minister Philpott and I both deserve better”, he said.
