Senate defenders and apologists

Another day, another chapter in the sordid saga of taxpayer abuse at the Senate of Canada.

Today’s fable? A Liberal Senator who could spin taxpayer’s money into gold.

According to RCMP documents, Liberal Senator Mac Harb allegedly claimed primary residency expenses for an “uninhabitable” home for 3 years. Then, just when the dwelling became liveable, Harb sold 99.99% of his country estate to the Brunei High Commissioner to Canada.

The idea behind the scheme was that by keeping 0.01% ownership, the Liberal Senator could continue to claim thousands in primary residency housing allowances.

As the details of this parable come into focus let’s reflect on the words of support Liberal leader Justin Trudeau offered Senator Harb just a few weeks ago.

QUESTION:
“If Mac Harb pays back what he owes, will you invite him back in the Liberal caucus?”

TRUDEAU:
“Yes, absolutely… The issue that both Mr. Harb and interestingly Mr. Brazeau are facing around expenses have been characterised even by the Senate as more of an honest mistake.”
– Global News, June 6, 2013

Selling 99.99% of your property to the Brunei High Commissioner to Canada doesn’t seem like an “honest mistake”. And while Mr. Trudeau acts as apologist for the Senator, the RCMP are alleging the once and future Liberal Senator committed breach of trust.

Canadians deserve better.

While Liberals and Conservatives are busy trying to justify their inaction on cleaning up the Senate, New Democrats are clear – the NDP would roll up the red carpet once and for all.

While the old line parties defend their Senators, New Democrats will defend Canadian taxpayers.