(Ottawa) The federal Liberals are joining the opposition Conservatives in no longer allowing MPs to charge taxpayers for internet service at their homes.
And since the Tories announced their intention, the office of Government House Leader Mark Holland said on Thursday it would propose to end the practice for MPs of all parties.
A breakdown of recent spending by MPs shows that 31 Conservatives billed taxpayers for home internet services for themselves or their staff, according to analysis by The Canadian Press. The information was first reported by the National Post.
Among the Tories who have claimed the expenses are former interim party leader Candice Bergen and fellow Manitoban James Bezan, as well as Calgary MP Michelle Rempel Garner and BC MP Mark Strahl.
On the other side of the House, 27 Liberal MPs have asked taxpayers for internet costs for their homes or those of their employees, including Justice Minister David Lametti and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly .
In addition, 11 Bloc Québécois MPs and four New Democrats claimed such costs.
A spokeswoman for the House of Commons clarified that this practice is perfectly permissible under existing rules for MPs, who can add such costs to their “office budget”.
As has been the case for many Canadians, the COVID-19 pandemic has forced MPs and their staff to work from home. But their office has now been reopened for months and no health guidelines require them to work from home.
No offense
No rules were broken, but the Conservative Opposition Whip’s office informed MPs that a new policy had been established for the caucus, according to a recent email obtained by The Canadian Press.
According to this email, it was decided, following a discussion with the Conservative leader, Pierre Poilievre, that no MP or employee could charge home internet costs.
The message to MPs says that if the Conservatives want Canadians to see them as guardians of sound public finances, they “must lead by example.” The post adds that the party is considering proposing an end to current House politics for all MPs.
“As Canadians continue to face a cost of living crisis, spurred in part by irresponsible government spending, we don’t expect taxpayers to foot the bill for MPs’ home internet,” supported Chief Opposition Whip Kerry-Lynne Findlay in a written statement.
“While these expenses were allowed under current House of Commons policy, the Conservatives will stop charging for home internet costs in the future. »
Liberals follow
And on Thursday afternoon, Liberal MPs were also told by the government House leader that the rules were also changing for them and their staff, said Alex Maheux, spokesperson for Mark Holland.
Mr. Maheux adds that at the next meeting of the Board of Internal Economy — the committee responsible for administration and finance of the House of Commons — Mr. Holland will propose a change to put an end to this practice once and for all.
“Our government has supported and continues to support Canadians as they face the economic and health challenges facing this country,” said Mr. Maheux.
“That’s why, during the COVID-19 pandemic, we have proposed measures to allow Canadians to claim tax deductions for expenses related to working from home, such as internet costs. »