Undue Entitlements

The media are reporting on another senator taking undue advantages of taxpayer funded living allowances. A few weeks ago, it was Senator Patrick Brazeau getting the attention with the news that he actually lived in Gatineau while claiming that his primary place of residence was in Maniwaki, the place where Brazeau’s father lives. Now, Senator Mike Duffy has an interesting perspective on his own entitlement to claim a living allowance. While he may “have done nothing wrong” (his words) from a legal point of view, he has conveniently ignored the ethical implications of his actions. As a long time resident of Ottawa, his decision to designate his PEI cottage as his primary residence in order to qualify for a living allowance, particularly after being named senator, leaves a sour taste in the mouth of taxpayers. If Canadians cannot rely on those who serve to perform their responsibilities with the utmost integrity, then the government should ensure that loopholes in programs of financial entitlement are plugged.