Publications
Summer 2010 Householder
On May 20, The National Post challenged Members of Parliament to present full disclosure of the financial operations of their offices and the expenses that we charge for travel, accommodation and other expenses while on Parliamentary business. I was pleased to respond with both a full financial statement as well as the call for full access to all Parliamentarians’ books by the Auditor-General. The Toronto Star picked this up on May 27 in the article that I have reprinted on the front page of this newsletter. Thus far, two other MPs have similarly disclosed their expenses.
Members of Parliaments’ expenses and the role of the Auditor-General in reviewing them have been hot topics of late. There are, in fact, two issues at stake here: transparency and accountability. Canadians have the right to know where and how their tax dollars are spent in a format that is clear and comprehensible. That is transparency. As well, they have the right to be assured that these dollars are being spent appropriately and accounted for accurately. That is accountability. Both are a matter of personal and professional ethics for me.
When I was elected on October 14, 2008, my 85-year old father was over-the top with pride and happiness for an endeavour that my whole family supported me in. As he shook my hand he said, “Congratulations – and watch your expenses carefully.” These were wise words of advice which I hopefully would not have needed. My expenses are directly related to your tax dollars and need to be respected as such.
The House of Commons provides all Members of Parliament with a salary, a furnished office in Ottawa and a budget for staff, a Constituency Office and other expenses that must follow very strict guidelines. This is money spent to help the constituents of Don Valley West be better served by government. I think it is money well spent. My staff work hard and we find ways to stretch our budget to the maximum. Still, you have the right to know how it is spent and can find the financial statements on my website: roboliphantmp.ca. If you want further details about any of the expenditures, do not hesitate to contact me.
It continues to be a pleasure to serve you as your Member of Parliament. I will continue to do that in a transparent and accountable way.
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