Duffy Fiasco

If you have been following the Senator Mike Duffy fiasco, it seems evident that his days as a senator are likely numbered. Here’s a man whose Ottawa home, not PEI, was his primary address when he was appointed to the senate. Prime Minister Stephen Harper must have known when he appointed Duffy that Duffy’s residence was in Ottawa and not the cottage Duffy owned in PEI. The PMO must have completed some background enquiries on Duffy and likely were fully aware that the appointment of Duffy as a senator to represent PEI was a stretch of the imagination. Just as Duffy ought to have known that he did not qualify for a housing allowance, the PMO ought to have known that Duffy should have had an established residence in PEI, not a cottage, before being appointed.

While authorities determine whether or not Mike Duffy should face criminal prosecution, the actions of the PMO also need addressing as it relates to the vetting process associated with Duffy’s appointment. Clearly, there are some issues here that require clarification. Canadians need to be informed if there were any inappropriate actions by the PMO and an independent investigation may be needed to get the required explanation.