For immediate release:
May 20, 2010

Click here for the Liberal Caucus' disclosure on expenses

MISSISSAUGA—Yesterday, Bonnie Crombie, Member of Parliament for Mississauga – Streetsville, commented on the matter of whether or not the Auditor General, Sheila Fraser, should review the operating budgets of federal Members of Parliament.

“I have no problems opening my books. I believe in full disclosure and open transparency. MP’s are spending tax payers’ dollars. At the end of the day, I am accountable to my constituents for spending their money,” said Mrs. Crombie.

For a number of weeks, Sheila Fraser has been asking to complete performance audits on the operating budgets of Members of Parliament. The matter has raised some concern among Party Leaders.

Yesterday afternoon, Mr. Ignatieff took a lead role by making the following recommendations:

• Everyone agrees that Canadians deserve the highest level of accountability and transparency when public funds are involved.

• Liberal Leader Michael Ignatieff has proposed a constructive way forward.

• Rather than debating this through the media, Liberals think the Auditor General should be invited to a future meeting of the Board of Internal Economy, which is composed of all four parties, to discuss how we can provide greater accountability and transparency.

• We want to engage with the Auditor General to ensure that all Canadians are satisfied with how their tax dollars are being spent.

• There are four parties in the House of Commons and on the Board of Internal Economy and we need to work together to get this done

“I am delighted that Michael Ignatieff has suggested the Auditor General meet with the Board of Internal Economy. I hope an accommodation can be reached to achieve greater accountability and transparency,” concluded Mrs. Crombie.

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Related:
http://www.mississauga.com/news/article/819883--take-a-look-says-mp

http://www.infomedia.gc.ca/allcontent/articles/unrestricted/2010/05/all20105305368075_61.htm