Ottawa

The new consensus

Last week, Michael Ignatieff said the auditor general and the Board of Internal Economy should discuss their differences over an audit of MP expenses. Yesterday, the Prime Minister’s Office said likewise. And just now, Jack Layton’s office sent out the following.

The issue of MPs expenses and the Auditor General has dominated much of the media attention of the past few days.

MPs expenses are currently indepedantly audited and are publicly available online, as per all rules and regulations currently in place.  New Democrats are fully confident that the process works, but we also understand that members of the media and of the public in general would like more information.

We believe that the Board of Internal Economy should consider further discussion on this issue. New Democrats are certainly never been opposed to having the BOIE continue the dialogue with the Auditor General to improve accountability and efficient use of public money.

Meanwhile, the Hill Times reports that since 2006, the Board has paid to cover the costs of 29 lawsuits.

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