Conservatives reject investigation into MPs’ possible use of taxpayer-funded travel for by-election campaigning

After Question Period on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, MP Saanich-Gulf Islands, rose in the House of Commons and moved the following:

“Mr. Speaker, following on yesterday’s wonderful display of solidarity on behalf of Canadian taxpayers in adopting the motion of the Opposition House Leader, if you seek it, I believe you would find unanimous consent for the following motion:

That the Board of Internal Economy investigate Members’ possible use of the Travel Points System for the purpose of participating in by-election campaigns during or immediately preceding the writ period.”

While all parties in the House agreed, the Conservatives rejected the motion to investigate possible uses of taxpayer-funded travel for partisan political purposes.

“I don’t know what possible excuse the Harper Conservatives will come up with this time to try and dodge accountability for their misuse of tax-dollars,” said May. “It’s very telling that all the Opposition Parties are willing to come together to push for greater accountability, yet the Conservatives are again offside with both transparency and with the Canadian public.”