Ethics watchdog says Philpott car claims didn’t break spending rules

The finding flummoxed Duff Conacher, co-founder of the watchdog group Democracy Watch. Conacher said by that standard, any cabinet minister could hire a party supporter and not be seen as running afoul of federal rules that prohibit politicians from providing preferential treatment.

“It’s the only one she could recall? She could recall it because the guy volunteered on her campaign. That’s why she recalled it,” he said.

Conservative health critic Colin Carrie said regardless of Dawson’s ruling, he still has concerns about the minister’s judgment on the matter. He said Philpott should never have used the car service in the first place and that the cost was out of line.

“You have to say, does this pass the smell test? And that’s something that I think moving forward the Canadian population is going to have to take notice and make their judgement in the next election.”

Philpott came under fire last summer over revelations she spent $1,700 on one day for car service around Toronto and Hamilton on March 31, and more than $1,900 on another day for trips to the Assembly of First Nations annual meeting in Niagara Falls, Ont., on July 12.

Amid the uproar, Philpott announced in mid-August she would repay the cost of these trips, totalling just more than $3,700, saying they were “excessive costs” related to her work travel. Philpott also said she would stop using the service owned by the Liberal supporter.

In her statement to Dawson, Philpott said she didn’t get heavily involved in making travel arrangements and left much of the planning to her staff.

Philpott told Dawson that she used the car service after the election and continued to use it because the company’s owner provided good, reliable service, “and he was discreet and not talkative.”

Philpott also said she felt safe and secure in the vehicle, Dawson’s report says.

In a statement, Philpott said she is pleased the matter is now concluded.

Jordan Press, The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Ethics watchdog says Philpott car claims didn’t break spending rules

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