Federal parties softening stance on expense audit

It appears politicians in Ottawa are now more accepting of an audit of their expenses.

Reluctance to let the auditor-general see how MPs and senators are spending your taxes is easing.

The change of heart comes on the heels of a poll showing most people think there have been some shady dealings.

Members from all parties on parliament say they’re open to the idea of opening their books to Sheila Fraser.

Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff says his party wants to give Fraser another opportunity to explain her proposed audit.

“We think that the auditor general wants to make sure that the financial controls are good and right and serving Canadians,” he said. “We’re all in favour.”

The Conservatives, meanwhile, say they have a secret plan that would promote transparency.

Fraser has said the type of audit she’d like to conduct on MP spending is not open to negotiation, but House Leader Jay Hill that’s not what the Tories are suggesting.

“I’m not talking about negotiating an audit,” he said. “I’m saying that we came up with a proposal that we will be taking to the other parties and out of fairness to them, I don’t negotiate with other parties in front of a camera.”

All parties insist there is no expense scandal in Ottawa, but they’ve been getting a lot of calls from constituents.

And a new Canadian Press-Harris-Decima poll says 85 per cent of respondents were concerned that MPs refused to allow an audit, while 80 per cent say  they believe MPs are likely breaking rules on expense claims. 

Top Stories

Top Stories

Most Watched Today