National

Jane Philpott Billed Taxpayers $520 For Air Canada Lounge Access, Document Shows

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 22 Aug, 2016 02:10 PM

OTTAWA — The federal Conservatives are raising new questions about Health Minister Jane Philpott's travel expenses.

A receipt obtained by the official Opposition shows she billed taxpayers $520 for a year's membership to Air Canada's executive airport lounges in North America and Europe.

Conservative health critic Colin Carrie wants Philpott to pay back the money, calling it another example of the minister's lack of judgment.

Philpott's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last week, Philpott said she would pay back $3,700 in high-end car service costs after it was revealed she billed for $1,700 on one day and more than $1,900 on another day.

The minister's department is also reviewing 20 trips to Toronto Pearson International Airport that cost $3,815 to see if taxpayers were charged fair-market value.

The car service — used to take the minister between work events — was provided by a limo company owned by a volunteer who canvassed for Philpott in the last election.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the minister's situation is a reminder his government must be "extremely careful" about its expenses and the public trust it holds.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Full-time Work Takes Big Hit As Canada Loses 31,200 Net Jobs In July

OTTAWA — The Canadian labour market lost 31,200 net jobs last month as the country suffered its biggest one-month drop in full-time work in nearly five years, Statistics Canada said Friday.

Full-time Work Takes Big Hit As Canada Loses 31,200 Net Jobs In July

Aboriginal Rights Not Violated By Some Prison Tests Says Federal Court Of Appeal

VANCOUVER — A panel of the Federal Court of Appeal has unanimously overturned a lower court ruling that found the charter rights of aboriginal inmates were violated by certain psychological tests.

Aboriginal Rights Not Violated By Some Prison Tests Says Federal Court Of Appeal

US, Canadian Soldiers Train In Interior Alaska

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Soldiers from U.S. and Canada have spent much of the last few weeks engaging in war games in expansive interior Alaska, with Iowa National Guard personnel playing the role of the enemy.

US, Canadian Soldiers Train In Interior Alaska

Clock's Ticking: 150 Days Until The Start Of Canada's 150th Anniversary Party

GATINEAU, Que. — Canada is 150 days away from the launch of a year-long celebration to mark its 150th anniversary.

Clock's Ticking: 150 Days Until The Start Of Canada's 150th Anniversary Party

Kathleen Wynne To Announce Health, Infrastructure Funding In Northern Ontario Tour

Wynne leaves Saturday on a weeklong visit to schools, hospitals, businesses and First Nations from North Bay to Sioux Lookout, with stops in Sudbury, Dryden, Kenora, Fort Frances, Kirkland Lake and nearly a dozen other communities.