Old page wikitext, before the edit (old_wikitext) | 'The '''Canadian Senate expenses scandal''' is an ongoing [[political scandal]] concerning the expense claims of certain [[Canadian]] senators which began in late 2012. Senators [[Mike Duffy]], [[Mac Harb]], [[Pamela Wallin]], and [[Patrick Brazeau]] claimed travel and housing expenses from the [[Senate of Canada|Senate]] for which they were not eligible. As a result, the [[Auditor General of Canada]] began investigating the expense claims of the entire Senate. Duffy, Wallin, and Harb eventually repaid the ineligible amount. Harb retired a few months into the scandal, and in November 2013, Duffy, Wallin, and Brazeau were suspended from the Senate without pay. The affair has attracted much public attention, with as many as 73% of Canadians following it closely.<ref name="brand at risk">Laura Payton. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/senate-scandal-puts-harper-s-brand-at-risk-poll-suggests-1.2304444] "Senate scandal puts Harper's brand at risk, poll suggests". CBC News. 01 November 2013.</ref>
==Overview==
Between November 21 and December 6, 2012, the Senate began investigating Duffy, Harb, and Brazeau's housing expense claims on the basis that they were ineligible to make them.<ref name="timeline">Global News, and The Canadian Press. [http://globalnews.ca/news/568714/a-look-at-key-dates-in-the-evolution-of-the-senate-expense-claim-controversy/ "Timeline: Key Dates in the Evolution of the Senate Expense-claim Controversy."] ''Global News'', 18 June 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> On February 8, 2013, the Senate hired an [[Big Four (audit firms)|auditing firm]] to investigate the claims.
Two months later, Duffy repaid the more than $90,000 in expenses he claimed.<ref name="repaid">Cheadle, Bruce. [http://globalnews.ca/news/496011/duffy-says-hes-repaid-housing-expenses/ "Duffy says he’s repaid housing expenses"] ''Global News'', 19 Apr. 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> On May 9, 2013, the Senate released a report into the expenses along with the audit, and concluded that the rules were unclear.<ref name="timeline" /> Harb and Brazeau were nonetheless ordered to repay the expenses. As of July 25, 2013, Harb still maintained his innocence;<ref name="uninhabitable">Fife, Robert, and Phillip Ling. "RCMP Allege Senator Mac Harb Claimed Expenses on 'uninhabitable' Home." CTVNews. ''CTV News'', 25 July 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> on July 3, 2013, the Senate announced it would reduce Brazeau's wages to repay the expenses.<ref>Smith, Joanna. [http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/03/senate_set_to_claw_back_patrick_brazeaus_wages.html "Senate Expenses Scandal: Patrick Brazeau's Wages to Be Clawed Back."] Thestar.com. The Star, 03 July 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref>
Prior to the release of the Senate's report it emerged that it had been whitewashed by the [[Conservative Party of Canada|Conservative]]-dominated committee to reflect less poorly on Mike Duffy, who was at that time a Conservative.<ref>Ditchburn, Jennifer. [http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/05/23/tory-dominated-senate-committee-deleted-tough-parts-of-mike-duffy-expense-report-document/ "Tory-dominated Senate Committee Deleted Tough Parts of Mike Duffy Expense Report: document."] ''The National Post''. The National Post, 23 May 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> After two weeks of controversy, and amid concerns that Duffy was claiming travel expenses from both the Senate and the Conservative Party, the Senate reopened Duffy's audit.<ref>Press, Jordan. [http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/05/22/senate-to-reopen-mike-duffy-expense-audit-committee-accused-of-whitewashing-earlier-report-decides/ "Senate Committee Accused of Whitewashing Initial Report Decides to Reopen Mike Duffy’s Expense audit."] The National Post. ''National Post'', 22 May 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref><ref>Radia, Andy. [http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/senator-mike-duffy-may-now-investigated-double-dipping-184207921.html "Mike Duffy May Now Be Investigated for Double-dipping amid Growing Anti-Senate Sentiment."] Yahoo! News Canada. Yahoo, 17 May 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref>
On March 22, 2013, Brazeau was expelled from the Conservative caucus over [[sexual assault]] allegations.<ref>Woods, Michael. [http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/03/22/weathering-the-storm-sen-patrick-brazeau-to-vigorously-contest-sexual-assault-charges/ "‘Weathering the Storm,’ Sen. Patrick Brazeau to ‘vigorously’ contest sexual Assault charges."] National Post. The National Post, 22 Mar. 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref>
In the months following the revelations, many of Canada's political parties reiterated their parties' opinions that the Senate should be [[Senate of Canada#Senate reform|reformed or abolished]]. Prime Minister [[Stephen Harper]] sought clarification from the [[Supreme Court of Canada]] on the federal government's power to reform or abolish the Senate, a ruling expected by 2014 or 2015.<ref>Payton, Laura. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/02/01/pol-senate-reform.html "Tories to Refer Senate Reform Questions to Supreme Court."] CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 01 Feb. 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> Significant reform or abolition requiring a constitutional amendment would require the support of at least seven of ten provinces; however, the provinces' respective premiers do not consider either a high priority.<ref>Benzie, Robert. [http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/26/senate_scandals_keep_premiers_abuzz.html "Senate Scandals Should Not Influence Reform, Premiers Say."] Thestar.com. The Star, 26 July 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> The [[Quebec Court of Appeal]] has re-iterated the role of the provinces in any decision.<ref>http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Court+gives+thumbs+down+Harper+governments+Senate+reform/9078197/story.html</ref>
A June 2013 poll revealed that in the wake of the controversy, 49% of Canadians wanted to reform the Senate, 41% wanted to see it abolished, 6% wanted to keep it as it was, and 4% were unsure.<ref>CBC News. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/06/19/pol-nanos-number-june19-senate.html "Majority Wants Senate Changed or Abolished, Poll Suggests."] CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 20 June 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref>
On May 12, 2013, the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] announced they were reviewing the expense claims.<ref name="timeline" />
On August 14, 2013, it was announced that the Auditor General of Canada would be reviewing the expense claims of all Senators.<ref>{{cite news|title=Auditor general to review all senators' expenses|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/15/pol-senate-expenses-auditor-general.html|accessdate=16 August 2013|newspaper=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=15 August 2013}}</ref>
==Mac Harb==
On August 26, 2013, Mac Harb announced his retirement, and that he had paid back the outstanding $180,166.17 to the Senate. He also dropped all legal action against the Senate. Harb retired with a full parliamentary pension of $122,989 per year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Senator Mac Harb pays back $231,000 in expenses, retires|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/26/pol-mac-harb-senate-expenses.html|accessdate=26 August 2013|newspaper=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=26 August 2013}}</ref>
==Wright-Duffy affair==
In February 2013, the [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]]'s legal advisor, [[Benjamin Perrin]], secretly drafted a [[letter of understanding]] between [[Nigel S. Wright|Nigel Wright]], the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, and Duffy.<ref>Janus, Andrea. [http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/pm-s-former-legal-adviser-arranged-deal-for-wright-to-give-duffy-90k-1.1289718 "PM's Former Legal Adviser Arranged Deal for Wright to Give Duffy $90K."] CTVNews. CTV News, 20 May 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> The letter stated Wright's intention to transfer $90,172 to cover Duffy's invalid expense claims. On May 15, 2013, the [[Office of the Prime Minister (Canada)|Prime Minister's Office]] confirmed that Wright sent Duffy a personal cheque in that amount; the federal [[Ethics Commissioner]] announced that he would review the case.<ref>Stone, Laura. [http://globalnews.ca/news/564681/pmo-chief-of-staff-wrote-personal-cheque-for-mike-duffy/ "Ethics Commissioner Reviewing Mike Duffy Affair."] Global News. Global News, 15 May 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> The next day, Duffy resigned from the Conservative caucus,<ref name="timeline" /> he now sits as an independent senator. Although Harper maintained his support for Wright, Wright's resignation was announced on May 19, 2013.<ref name="timeline" /> On October 28, 2013, Stephen Harper stated in an interview that Wright had been "dismissed," contradicting the previous account of Wright's termination.<ref>Cheadle, Bruce. [http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/10/28/nigel-wright-was-dismissed-stephen-harper-says-at-odds-with-may-statement-that-former-chief-of-staff-resigned/] National Post. "Nigel Wright was ‘dismissed,’ Stephen Harper says — at odds with May statement that former chief of staff resigned"</ref>
On May 22, 2013, Harper denied knowledge of the cheque;<ref name="timeline" /> on June 5, he stated that no one in his office other than Wright knew of the transaction.<ref name="June 5 Hansard">[http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=1&DocId=6208877#Int-8057943 Hansard, 5 June 2013.] House of Commons.</ref> Harper's legal adviser also denied knowledge of the cheque.
On June 6, 2013, the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] (RCMP) filed documents with the courts, contradicting these statements by revealing that three senior members of the Prime Minister's Office and another Conservative senator, [[Irving Gerstein]], knew about the transfer.<ref name="rcmp">MacKinnon, Leslie. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/07/05/pol-rcmp-documents-questions-raised.html "8 Things Revealed by RCMP's Court Filings on Mike Duffy."] CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 06 July 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> The documents further revealed that the Conservative Party of Canada initially intended to pay $30,000 for Duffy to repay his expenses before they learned the full amount, that Duffy was being investigated over three separate allegations of fraud, and that the investigation began of the RCMP's own volition in March 2013.<ref name="rcmp" />
On October 21, 2013, Duffy's lawyer claimed that the Prime Minister's Office "pushed" Duffy into accepting the cheque, contrary to the Prime Minister's statements that no one in his office other than Wright knew of the deal.<ref>MacKreal, Kim. [http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/pmo-senate-gave-duffy-green-light-to-expense-pei-property-says-lawyer/article14960773/ "Duffy’s lawyer says Harper's office pushed Senator into scandal"] The Globe and Mail, 21 October 2013. Web. 21 October 2013.</ref> The next day, Duffy told the Senate that Harper personally told Duffy to repay the money, quoting him as saying, "It’s not about what you did. It’s about the perception of what you did that’s been created in the media. The rules are inexplicable to our base."<ref>CBC News. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mike-duffy-claims-harper-told-him-to-repay-expense-money-1.2158507] "Mike Duffy claims Harper told him to repay expense money". CBC News, 22 October 2013. Web. 22 October 2013.</ref><ref>The Canadian Press. [http://www.citynews.ca/2013/10/22/prime-minister-ordered-me-to-repay-disallowed-expenses-duffy-tells-senate/] CityNews Toronto. 22 October 2013. Web. 22 October 2013.</ref> On 28 October, Duffy announced that the Conservative Party - via their chief lawyer, Arthur Hamilton - paid all of his legal fees relating to the scandal, tabling a cheque stub and corresponding memo as proof.<ref>Gloria Galloway and Kim MacKrael. [http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/conservatives-gave-duffy-more-money-than-just-90000-cheque-senator-claims/article15121320/#dashboard/follows/]. "Conservatives gave Duffy more than one cheque, senator claims". 28 October 2013.</ref> Duffy also tabled documents supporting the legality of his residency claims.<ref>The Globe and Mail. [http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/read-duffys-documents-including-private-emails-and-cheque-for-conservative-lawyer/article15122585/] Read Duffy's documents, including e-mails and cheque for Conservative lawyer. 28 Oct 2013.</ref> Furthermore, Duffy tabled an email sent to him from Nigel Wright's account at the Prime Minister's Office, despite the fact that the PMO had previously claimed that none existed in response to an [[Access to Information Act]] request.<ref>Greg Weston. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/senate-scandal-creates-no-paper-trail-in-pm-s-own-department-1.1308487] Senate scandal creates no paper trail in PM’s own department. 26 August 2013.</ref>
==Pamela Wallin==
In February 2013, an external audit of Pamela Wallin's [[travel expenses]] began. From December 1, 2010, through November 30, 2012, Senate records show that Wallin claimed $29,423 in "regular travel" expenses for direct flights from Ottawa to her home province of [[Saskatchewan]] or back. Her "other travel" expenses (to other Canadian destinations, including [[Toronto]]) were $321,027 over that same 24 month period.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sen.parl.gc.ca/senproactivedisclosure/default.aspx?language=E |title=Financial Reports |accessdate=March 7, 2013 |work=Website of the Senate of Canada}}</ref> Senator Wallin noted in a ''[[Globe and Mail]]'' op-ed that a great deal of the "other travel" was actually to and from her home province of Saskatchewan, but didn't count as "regular travel" because the flights did not start or end in [[Ottawa]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/pamela-wallin-wadena-is-my-home-the-senate-is-my-job/article8535391/ |title=Wadena is my home, the Senate is my job; Globe and Mail|accessdate=March 7, 2013}}</ref> Although Wallin listed Saskatchewan as her [[primary residence]] records show she possessed a valid [[Ontario Health Insurance Plan|Ontario Health Card]] indicating her primary residence was in Toronto where she has a [[condo]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/02/25/pamela_wallin_conservative_senator_holds_ontario_health_card.html |title=Pamela Wallin, Conservative senator, holds Ontario health card | Toronto Star |first=Bruce |last=Campion-Smith |work=thestar.com |accessdate=February 27, 2013}}</ref> Wallin was one of several senators who faced questions about whether they lived in the province for which they were appointed.
The Senate was concerned that Wallin's travel expenses are unrelated to Senate business and appointed the external auditor [[Deloitte]] to examine refunds she has claimed. Preliminary findings indicated “a pattern of claiming Senate expenses on personal or other business unrelated to the Senate, including boards she sits on.”<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/05/24/senate_asked_deloitte_to_broaden_investigation_into_sen_pamela_wallins_travel_expenses.html |title=Senate asked Deloitte to broaden investigation into Sen. Pamela Wallin’s travel expenses | Toronto Star |first=Joanna |last=Smith |work=thestar.com |accessdate=June 1, 2013}}</ref> Wallin earned approximately $1 million in [[stock option]]s and fees while on corporate boards since her appointment as senator.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/06/06/pamela_wallin_earned_more_than_1_million_as_corporate_director_since_senate_appointment.html |title=Pamela Wallin earned approximately $1 million as corporate director since Senate appointment | Toronto Star |first=Joanna |last=Smith |work=thestar.com |accessdate=June 6, 2013}}</ref>
In May 2013 Wallin resigned from the Senate Conservative caucus pending the results of the external audit of her expense.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/05/17/pol-pamela-wallin-conservative-caucus.html |title=Senator Pamela Wallin leaves Conservative caucus - Politics - CBC News |first= |last=CBC News |work=cbc.ca|accessdate=May 17, 2013}}</ref>
A [[Postmedia News]] analysis indicated Wallin was ranked second highest in overall spending at $369,593 behind recently retired Conservative Senator [[Gerry St. Germain]], who spent $378,292 during the same period.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/02/25/pamela-wallin-mike-duffy-among-the-top-10-spenders-in-the-senate-analysis-concludes/ |title=Pamela Wallin, Mike Duffy among the top 10 spenders in the Senate | Canadian Politics | Canada | News | National Post |first=Jordan |last=Press |work=nationalpost.com |accessdate=March 8, 2013}}</ref>
On August 13, 2013, an audit by [[Deloitte]] into her expense claims found that Wallin inappropriately claimed overnight stopovers in Toronto on her trips between Ottawa and Saskatchewan and criticized other travel by Wallin for business unrelated to the Senate. The audit also questioned several of Wallin's "[[networking event]]s" but found that further review by the Senate was necessary to see if these events qualified as Senate business. The audit ordered Wallin to repay $121,348 in inproper expense claims and was referred to the RCMP.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pamela Wallin may be asked to pay more by Senate committee|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/15/pol-senator-wallin-repay-expenses.html|accessdate=15 August 2013|newspaper=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=15 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pamela Wallin's 'troubling' expense audit headed to RCMP|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/13/pol-wallin-audit-release-senate-report.html|accessdate=15 August 2013|newspaper=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=13 August 2013}}</ref> The same day the audit was released Wallin held a news conference and called the audit "fundamentally flawed and unfair."<ref>{{cite news|title=Pamela Wallin audit details set for public release|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/12/pol-wallin-audit-monday.html|accessdate=15 August 2013|newspaper=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=12 August 2013}}</ref> On 13 September 2013, it was announced that Wallin had reimbursed the Senate.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sen. Pamela Wallin reimburses Senate for questionable travel claims|url=http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/09/13/sen-pamela-wallin-reimburses-senate-for-questionable-travel-claims/|accessdate=13 September 2013|newspaper=Maclean's|date=13 September 2013}}</ref>
==Suspension of Duffy, Wallin and Brazeau==
After 2 weeks of debate, On Tuesday, Nov, 5th, 2013 the Senate voted to suspend Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau without pay or benefits, except for life insurance and health benefits.
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
[[Category:Senate of Canada]]
[[Category:2013 in Canadian politics]]
[[Category:Political scandals in Canada]]' |
New page wikitext, after the edit (new_wikitext) | 'The '''Canadian Senate expenses scandal''' is an ongoing [[political scandal]] concerning the expense claims of certain [[Canadian]] senators which began in late 2012. Senators [[Mike Duffy]], [[Mac Harb]], [[Pamela Wallin]], and [[Patrick Brazeau]] claimed travel and housing expenses from the [[Senate of Canada|Senate]] for which they were not eligible. As a result, the [[Auditor General of Canada]] began investigating the expense claims of the entire Senate. Duffy, Wallin, and Harb eventually repaid the ineligible amount. Harb retired a few months into the scandal, and in November 2013, Duffy, Wallin, and Brazeau were suspended from the Senate without pay. The affair has attracted much public attention, with as many as 73% of Canadians following it closely.<ref name="brand at risk">Laura Payton. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/senate-scandal-puts-harper-s-brand-at-risk-poll-suggests-1.2304444] "Senate scandal puts Harper's brand at risk, poll suggests". CBC News. 01 November 2013.</ref>
==Overview==
Between November 21 and December 6, 2012, the Senate began investigating Duffy, Harb, and Brazeau's housing expense claims on the basis that they were ineligible to make them.<ref name="timeline">Global News, and The Canadian Press. [http://globalnews.ca/news/568714/a-look-at-key-dates-in-the-evolution-of-the-senate-expense-claim-controversy/ "Timeline: Key Dates in the Evolution of the Senate Expense-claim Controversy."] ''Global News'', 18 June 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> On February 8, 2013, the Senate hired an [[Big Four (audit firms)|auditing firm]] to investigate the claims.
Two months later, Duffy repaid the more than $90,000 in expenses he claimed.<ref name="repaid">Cheadle, Bruce. [http://globalnews.ca/news/496011/duffy-says-hes-repaid-housing-expenses/ "Duffy says he’s repaid housing expenses"] ''Global News'', 19 Apr. 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> On May 9, 2013, the Senate released a report into the expenses along with the audit, and concluded that the rules were unclear.<ref name="timeline" /> Harb and Brazeau were nonetheless ordered to repay the expenses. As of July 25, 2013, Harb still maintained his innocence;<ref name="uninhabitable">Fife, Robert, and Phillip Ling. "RCMP Allege Senator Mac Harb Claimed Expenses on 'uninhabitable' Home." CTVNews. ''CTV News'', 25 July 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> on July 3, 2013, the Senate announced it would reduce Brazeau's wages to repay the expenses.<ref>Smith, Joanna. [http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/03/senate_set_to_claw_back_patrick_brazeaus_wages.html "Senate Expenses Scandal: Patrick Brazeau's Wages to Be Clawed Back."] Thestar.com. The Star, 03 July 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref>
Prior to the release of the Senate's report it emerged that it had been whitewashed by the [[Conservative Party of Canada|Conservative]]-dominated committee to reflect less poorly on Mike Duffy, who was at that time a Conservative.<ref>Ditchburn, Jennifer. [http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/05/23/tory-dominated-senate-committee-deleted-tough-parts-of-mike-duffy-expense-report-document/ "Tory-dominated Senate Committee Deleted Tough Parts of Mike Duffy Expense Report: document."] ''The National Post''. The National Post, 23 May 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> After two weeks of controversy, and amid concerns that Duffy was claiming travel expenses from both the Senate and the Conservative Party, the Senate reopened Duffy's audit.<ref>Press, Jordan. [http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/05/22/senate-to-reopen-mike-duffy-expense-audit-committee-accused-of-whitewashing-earlier-report-decides/ "Senate Committee Accused of Whitewashing Initial Report Decides to Reopen Mike Duffy’s Expense audit."] The National Post. ''National Post'', 22 May 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref><ref>Radia, Andy. [http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/senator-mike-duffy-may-now-investigated-double-dipping-184207921.html "Mike Duffy May Now Be Investigated for Double-dipping amid Growing Anti-Senate Sentiment."] Yahoo! News Canada. Yahoo, 17 May 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref>
On March 22, 2013, Brazeau was expelled from the Conservative caucus over [[sexual assault]] allegations.<ref>Woods, Michael. [http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/03/22/weathering-the-storm-sen-patrick-brazeau-to-vigorously-contest-sexual-assault-charges/ "‘Weathering the Storm,’ Sen. Patrick Brazeau to ‘vigorously’ contest sexual Assault charges."] National Post. The National Post, 22 Mar. 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref>
In the months following the revelations, many of Canada's political parties reiterated their parties' opinions that the Senate should be [[Senate of Canada#Senate reform|reformed or abolished]]. Prime Minister [[Stephen Harper]] sought clarification from the [[Supreme Court of Canada]] on the federal government's power to reform or abolish the Senate, a ruling expected by 2014 or 2015.<ref>Payton, Laura. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/02/01/pol-senate-reform.html "Tories to Refer Senate Reform Questions to Supreme Court."] CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 01 Feb. 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> Significant reform or abolition requiring a constitutional amendment would require the support of at least seven of ten provinces; however, the provinces' respective premiers do not consider either a high priority.<ref>Benzie, Robert. [http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/26/senate_scandals_keep_premiers_abuzz.html "Senate Scandals Should Not Influence Reform, Premiers Say."] Thestar.com. The Star, 26 July 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> The [[Quebec Court of Appeal]] has re-iterated the role of the provinces in any decision.<ref>http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Court+gives+thumbs+down+Harper+governments+Senate+reform/9078197/story.html</ref>
A June 2013 poll revealed that in the wake of the controversy, 49% of Canadians wanted to reform the Senate, 41% wanted to see it abolished, 6% wanted to keep it as it was, and 4% were unsure.<ref>CBC News. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/06/19/pol-nanos-number-june19-senate.html "Majority Wants Senate Changed or Abolished, Poll Suggests."] CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 20 June 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref>
On May 12, 2013, the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] announced they were reviewing the expense claims.<ref name="timeline" />
On August 14, 2013, it was announced that the Auditor General of Canada would be reviewing the expense claims of all Senators.<ref>{{cite news|title=Auditor general to review all senators' expenses|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/15/pol-senate-expenses-auditor-general.html|accessdate=16 August 2013|newspaper=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=15 August 2013}}</ref>
==Mac Harb==
On August 26, 2013, Mac Harb announced his retirement, and that he had paid back the outstanding $180,166.17 to the Senate. He also dropped all legal action against the Senate. Harb retired with a full parliamentary pension of $122,989 per year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Senator Mac Harb pays back $231,000 in expenses, retires|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/26/pol-mac-harb-senate-expenses.html|accessdate=26 August 2013|newspaper=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=26 August 2013}}</ref>
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==Wright-Duffy affair==
In February 2013, the [[Prime Minister of Canada|Prime Minister]]'s legal advisor, [[Benjamin Perrin]], secretly drafted a [[letter of understanding]] between [[Nigel S. Wright|Nigel Wright]], the Prime Minister's Chief of Staff, and Duffy.<ref>Janus, Andrea. [http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/pm-s-former-legal-adviser-arranged-deal-for-wright-to-give-duffy-90k-1.1289718 "PM's Former Legal Adviser Arranged Deal for Wright to Give Duffy $90K."] CTVNews. CTV News, 20 May 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> The letter stated Wright's intention to transfer $90,172 to cover Duffy's invalid expense claims. On May 15, 2013, the [[Office of the Prime Minister (Canada)|Prime Minister's Office]] confirmed that Wright sent Duffy a personal cheque in that amount; the federal [[Ethics Commissioner]] announced that he would review the case.<ref>Stone, Laura. [http://globalnews.ca/news/564681/pmo-chief-of-staff-wrote-personal-cheque-for-mike-duffy/ "Ethics Commissioner Reviewing Mike Duffy Affair."] Global News. Global News, 15 May 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> The next day, Duffy resigned from the Conservative caucus,<ref name="timeline" /> he now sits as an independent senator. Although Harper maintained his support for Wright, Wright's resignation was announced on May 19, 2013.<ref name="timeline" /> On October 28, 2013, Stephen Harper stated in an interview that Wright had been "dismissed," contradicting the previous account of Wright's termination.<ref>Cheadle, Bruce. [http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/10/28/nigel-wright-was-dismissed-stephen-harper-says-at-odds-with-may-statement-that-former-chief-of-staff-resigned/] National Post. "Nigel Wright was ‘dismissed,’ Stephen Harper says — at odds with May statement that former chief of staff resigned"</ref>
On May 22, 2013, Harper denied knowledge of the cheque;<ref name="timeline" /> on June 5, he stated that no one in his office other than Wright knew of the transaction.<ref name="June 5 Hansard">[http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=1&DocId=6208877#Int-8057943 Hansard, 5 June 2013.] House of Commons.</ref> Harper's legal adviser also denied knowledge of the cheque.
On June 6, 2013, the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police]] (RCMP) filed documents with the courts, contradicting these statements by revealing that three senior members of the Prime Minister's Office and another Conservative senator, [[Irving Gerstein]], knew about the transfer.<ref name="rcmp">MacKinnon, Leslie. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/07/05/pol-rcmp-documents-questions-raised.html "8 Things Revealed by RCMP's Court Filings on Mike Duffy."] CBCnews. CBC/Radio Canada, 06 July 2013. Web. 27 July 2013.</ref> The documents further revealed that the Conservative Party of Canada initially intended to pay $30,000 for Duffy to repay his expenses before they learned the full amount, that Duffy was being investigated over three separate allegations of fraud, and that the investigation began of the RCMP's own volition in March 2013.<ref name="rcmp" />
On October 21, 2013, Duffy's lawyer claimed that the Prime Minister's Office "pushed" Duffy into accepting the cheque, contrary to the Prime Minister's statements that no one in his office other than Wright knew of the deal.<ref>MacKreal, Kim. [http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/pmo-senate-gave-duffy-green-light-to-expense-pei-property-says-lawyer/article14960773/ "Duffy’s lawyer says Harper's office pushed Senator into scandal"] The Globe and Mail, 21 October 2013. Web. 21 October 2013.</ref> The next day, Duffy told the Senate that Harper personally told Duffy to repay the money, quoting him as saying, "It’s not about what you did. It’s about the perception of what you did that’s been created in the media. The rules are inexplicable to our base."<ref>CBC News. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mike-duffy-claims-harper-told-him-to-repay-expense-money-1.2158507] "Mike Duffy claims Harper told him to repay expense money". CBC News, 22 October 2013. Web. 22 October 2013.</ref><ref>The Canadian Press. [http://www.citynews.ca/2013/10/22/prime-minister-ordered-me-to-repay-disallowed-expenses-duffy-tells-senate/] CityNews Toronto. 22 October 2013. Web. 22 October 2013.</ref> On 28 October, Duffy announced that the Conservative Party - via their chief lawyer, Arthur Hamilton - paid all of his legal fees relating to the scandal, tabling a cheque stub and corresponding memo as proof.<ref>Gloria Galloway and Kim MacKrael. [http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/conservatives-gave-duffy-more-money-than-just-90000-cheque-senator-claims/article15121320/#dashboard/follows/]. "Conservatives gave Duffy more than one cheque, senator claims". 28 October 2013.</ref> Duffy also tabled documents supporting the legality of his residency claims.<ref>The Globe and Mail. [http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/read-duffys-documents-including-private-emails-and-cheque-for-conservative-lawyer/article15122585/] Read Duffy's documents, including e-mails and cheque for Conservative lawyer. 28 Oct 2013.</ref> Furthermore, Duffy tabled an email sent to him from Nigel Wright's account at the Prime Minister's Office, despite the fact that the PMO had previously claimed that none existed in response to an [[Access to Information Act]] request.<ref>Greg Weston. [http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/senate-scandal-creates-no-paper-trail-in-pm-s-own-department-1.1308487] Senate scandal creates no paper trail in PM’s own department. 26 August 2013.</ref>
==Pamela Wallin==
In February 2013, an external audit of Pamela Wallin's [[travel expenses]] began. From December 1, 2010, through November 30, 2012, Senate records show that Wallin claimed $29,423 in "regular travel" expenses for direct flights from Ottawa to her home province of [[Saskatchewan]] or back. Her "other travel" expenses (to other Canadian destinations, including [[Toronto]]) were $321,027 over that same 24 month period.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://sen.parl.gc.ca/senproactivedisclosure/default.aspx?language=E |title=Financial Reports |accessdate=March 7, 2013 |work=Website of the Senate of Canada}}</ref> Senator Wallin noted in a ''[[Globe and Mail]]'' op-ed that a great deal of the "other travel" was actually to and from her home province of Saskatchewan, but didn't count as "regular travel" because the flights did not start or end in [[Ottawa]].<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/pamela-wallin-wadena-is-my-home-the-senate-is-my-job/article8535391/ |title=Wadena is my home, the Senate is my job; Globe and Mail|accessdate=March 7, 2013}}</ref> Although Wallin listed Saskatchewan as her [[primary residence]] records show she possessed a valid [[Ontario Health Insurance Plan|Ontario Health Card]] indicating her primary residence was in Toronto where she has a [[condo]].<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/02/25/pamela_wallin_conservative_senator_holds_ontario_health_card.html |title=Pamela Wallin, Conservative senator, holds Ontario health card | Toronto Star |first=Bruce |last=Campion-Smith |work=thestar.com |accessdate=February 27, 2013}}</ref> Wallin was one of several senators who faced questions about whether they lived in the province for which they were appointed.
The Senate was concerned that Wallin's travel expenses are unrelated to Senate business and appointed the external auditor [[Deloitte]] to examine refunds she has claimed. Preliminary findings indicated “a pattern of claiming Senate expenses on personal or other business unrelated to the Senate, including boards she sits on.”<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/05/24/senate_asked_deloitte_to_broaden_investigation_into_sen_pamela_wallins_travel_expenses.html |title=Senate asked Deloitte to broaden investigation into Sen. Pamela Wallin’s travel expenses | Toronto Star |first=Joanna |last=Smith |work=thestar.com |accessdate=June 1, 2013}}</ref> Wallin earned approximately $1 million in [[stock option]]s and fees while on corporate boards since her appointment as senator.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/06/06/pamela_wallin_earned_more_than_1_million_as_corporate_director_since_senate_appointment.html |title=Pamela Wallin earned approximately $1 million as corporate director since Senate appointment | Toronto Star |first=Joanna |last=Smith |work=thestar.com |accessdate=June 6, 2013}}</ref>
In May 2013 Wallin resigned from the Senate Conservative caucus pending the results of the external audit of her expense.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/05/17/pol-pamela-wallin-conservative-caucus.html |title=Senator Pamela Wallin leaves Conservative caucus - Politics - CBC News |first= |last=CBC News |work=cbc.ca|accessdate=May 17, 2013}}</ref>
A [[Postmedia News]] analysis indicated Wallin was ranked second highest in overall spending at $369,593 behind recently retired Conservative Senator [[Gerry St. Germain]], who spent $378,292 during the same period.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/02/25/pamela-wallin-mike-duffy-among-the-top-10-spenders-in-the-senate-analysis-concludes/ |title=Pamela Wallin, Mike Duffy among the top 10 spenders in the Senate | Canadian Politics | Canada | News | National Post |first=Jordan |last=Press |work=nationalpost.com |accessdate=March 8, 2013}}</ref>
On August 13, 2013, an audit by [[Deloitte]] into her expense claims found that Wallin inappropriately claimed overnight stopovers in Toronto on her trips between Ottawa and Saskatchewan and criticized other travel by Wallin for business unrelated to the Senate. The audit also questioned several of Wallin's "[[networking event]]s" but found that further review by the Senate was necessary to see if these events qualified as Senate business. The audit ordered Wallin to repay $121,348 in inproper expense claims and was referred to the RCMP.<ref>{{cite news|title=Pamela Wallin may be asked to pay more by Senate committee|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/15/pol-senator-wallin-repay-expenses.html|accessdate=15 August 2013|newspaper=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=15 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Pamela Wallin's 'troubling' expense audit headed to RCMP|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/13/pol-wallin-audit-release-senate-report.html|accessdate=15 August 2013|newspaper=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=13 August 2013}}</ref> The same day the audit was released Wallin held a news conference and called the audit "fundamentally flawed and unfair."<ref>{{cite news|title=Pamela Wallin audit details set for public release|url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/12/pol-wallin-audit-monday.html|accessdate=15 August 2013|newspaper=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation|date=12 August 2013}}</ref> On 13 September 2013, it was announced that Wallin had reimbursed the Senate.<ref>{{cite news|title=Sen. Pamela Wallin reimburses Senate for questionable travel claims|url=http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/09/13/sen-pamela-wallin-reimburses-senate-for-questionable-travel-claims/|accessdate=13 September 2013|newspaper=Maclean's|date=13 September 2013}}</ref>
==Suspension of Duffy, Wallin and Brazeau==
After 2 weeks of debate, On Tuesday, Nov, 5th, 2013 the Senate voted to suspend Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau without pay or benefits, except for life insurance and health benefits.
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
[[Category:Senate of Canada]]
[[Category:2013 in Canadian politics]]
[[Category:Political scandals in Canada]]' |
All external links in the new text (all_links) | [
0 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/senate-scandal-puts-harper-s-brand-at-risk-poll-suggests-1.2304444',
1 => 'http://globalnews.ca/news/568714/a-look-at-key-dates-in-the-evolution-of-the-senate-expense-claim-controversy/',
2 => 'http://globalnews.ca/news/496011/duffy-says-hes-repaid-housing-expenses/',
3 => 'http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/03/senate_set_to_claw_back_patrick_brazeaus_wages.html',
4 => 'http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/05/23/tory-dominated-senate-committee-deleted-tough-parts-of-mike-duffy-expense-report-document/',
5 => 'http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/05/22/senate-to-reopen-mike-duffy-expense-audit-committee-accused-of-whitewashing-earlier-report-decides/',
6 => 'http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/senator-mike-duffy-may-now-investigated-double-dipping-184207921.html',
7 => 'http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/03/22/weathering-the-storm-sen-patrick-brazeau-to-vigorously-contest-sexual-assault-charges/',
8 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/02/01/pol-senate-reform.html',
9 => 'http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/26/senate_scandals_keep_premiers_abuzz.html',
10 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/06/19/pol-nanos-number-june19-senate.html',
11 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/15/pol-senate-expenses-auditor-general.html',
12 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/26/pol-mac-harb-senate-expenses.html',
13 => 'http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/pm-s-former-legal-adviser-arranged-deal-for-wright-to-give-duffy-90k-1.1289718',
14 => 'http://globalnews.ca/news/564681/pmo-chief-of-staff-wrote-personal-cheque-for-mike-duffy/',
15 => 'http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/10/28/nigel-wright-was-dismissed-stephen-harper-says-at-odds-with-may-statement-that-former-chief-of-staff-resigned/',
16 => 'http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=1&DocId=6208877#Int-8057943',
17 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/07/05/pol-rcmp-documents-questions-raised.html',
18 => 'http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/pmo-senate-gave-duffy-green-light-to-expense-pei-property-says-lawyer/article14960773/',
19 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mike-duffy-claims-harper-told-him-to-repay-expense-money-1.2158507',
20 => 'http://www.citynews.ca/2013/10/22/prime-minister-ordered-me-to-repay-disallowed-expenses-duffy-tells-senate/',
21 => 'http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/conservatives-gave-duffy-more-money-than-just-90000-cheque-senator-claims/article15121320/#dashboard/follows/',
22 => 'http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/read-duffys-documents-including-private-emails-and-cheque-for-conservative-lawyer/article15122585/',
23 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/senate-scandal-creates-no-paper-trail-in-pm-s-own-department-1.1308487',
24 => 'http://sen.parl.gc.ca/senproactivedisclosure/default.aspx?language=E',
25 => 'http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/pamela-wallin-wadena-is-my-home-the-senate-is-my-job/article8535391/',
26 => 'http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/02/25/pamela_wallin_conservative_senator_holds_ontario_health_card.html',
27 => 'http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/05/24/senate_asked_deloitte_to_broaden_investigation_into_sen_pamela_wallins_travel_expenses.html',
28 => 'http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/06/06/pamela_wallin_earned_more_than_1_million_as_corporate_director_since_senate_appointment.html',
29 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/05/17/pol-pamela-wallin-conservative-caucus.html',
30 => 'http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/02/25/pamela-wallin-mike-duffy-among-the-top-10-spenders-in-the-senate-analysis-concludes/',
31 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/15/pol-senator-wallin-repay-expenses.html',
32 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/13/pol-wallin-audit-release-senate-report.html',
33 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/12/pol-wallin-audit-monday.html',
34 => 'http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/09/13/sen-pamela-wallin-reimburses-senate-for-questionable-travel-claims/',
35 => 'http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Court+gives+thumbs+down+Harper+governments+Senate+reform/9078197/story.html'
] |
Links in the page, before the edit (old_links) | [
0 => 'http://ca.news.yahoo.com/blogs/canada-politics/senator-mike-duffy-may-now-investigated-double-dipping-184207921.html',
1 => 'http://globalnews.ca/news/496011/duffy-says-hes-repaid-housing-expenses/',
2 => 'http://globalnews.ca/news/564681/pmo-chief-of-staff-wrote-personal-cheque-for-mike-duffy/',
3 => 'http://globalnews.ca/news/568714/a-look-at-key-dates-in-the-evolution-of-the-senate-expense-claim-controversy/',
4 => 'http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/02/25/pamela-wallin-mike-duffy-among-the-top-10-spenders-in-the-senate-analysis-concludes/',
5 => 'http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/03/22/weathering-the-storm-sen-patrick-brazeau-to-vigorously-contest-sexual-assault-charges/',
6 => 'http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/05/22/senate-to-reopen-mike-duffy-expense-audit-committee-accused-of-whitewashing-earlier-report-decides/',
7 => 'http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/05/23/tory-dominated-senate-committee-deleted-tough-parts-of-mike-duffy-expense-report-document/',
8 => 'http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/10/28/nigel-wright-was-dismissed-stephen-harper-says-at-odds-with-may-statement-that-former-chief-of-staff-resigned/',
9 => 'http://sen.parl.gc.ca/senproactivedisclosure/default.aspx?language=E',
10 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mike-duffy-claims-harper-told-him-to-repay-expense-money-1.2158507',
11 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/senate-scandal-creates-no-paper-trail-in-pm-s-own-department-1.1308487',
12 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/senate-scandal-puts-harper-s-brand-at-risk-poll-suggests-1.2304444',
13 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/07/05/pol-rcmp-documents-questions-raised.html',
14 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/05/17/pol-pamela-wallin-conservative-caucus.html',
15 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/15/pol-senator-wallin-repay-expenses.html',
16 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/13/pol-wallin-audit-release-senate-report.html',
17 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/12/pol-wallin-audit-monday.html',
18 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/26/pol-mac-harb-senate-expenses.html',
19 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/02/01/pol-senate-reform.html',
20 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/06/19/pol-nanos-number-june19-senate.html',
21 => 'http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2013/08/15/pol-senate-expenses-auditor-general.html',
22 => 'http://www.citynews.ca/2013/10/22/prime-minister-ordered-me-to-repay-disallowed-expenses-duffy-tells-senate/',
23 => 'http://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/pm-s-former-legal-adviser-arranged-deal-for-wright-to-give-duffy-90k-1.1289718',
24 => 'http://www.parl.gc.ca/HousePublications/Publication.aspx?Language=E&Mode=1&Parl=41&Ses=1&DocId=6208877#Int-8057943',
25 => 'http://www.theglobeandmail.com/commentary/pamela-wallin-wadena-is-my-home-the-senate-is-my-job/article8535391/',
26 => 'http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/pmo-senate-gave-duffy-green-light-to-expense-pei-property-says-lawyer/article14960773/',
27 => 'http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/conservatives-gave-duffy-more-money-than-just-90000-cheque-senator-claims/article15121320/#dashboard/follows/',
28 => 'http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/read-duffys-documents-including-private-emails-and-cheque-for-conservative-lawyer/article15122585/',
29 => 'http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/02/25/pamela_wallin_conservative_senator_holds_ontario_health_card.html',
30 => 'http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/03/senate_set_to_claw_back_patrick_brazeaus_wages.html',
31 => 'http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/07/26/senate_scandals_keep_premiers_abuzz.html',
32 => 'http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/05/24/senate_asked_deloitte_to_broaden_investigation_into_sen_pamela_wallins_travel_expenses.html',
33 => 'http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2013/06/06/pamela_wallin_earned_more_than_1_million_as_corporate_director_since_senate_appointment.html',
34 => 'http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Court+gives+thumbs+down+Harper+governments+Senate+reform/9078197/story.html',
35 => 'http://www2.macleans.ca/2013/09/13/sen-pamela-wallin-reimburses-senate-for-questionable-travel-claims/'
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