Our MP's and Senators have a "model" for handling their expenses

From the time that Sheila Fraser made her initial request to be “invited” to audit the expenses of our MPPS, they must have known they were in a no-win situation. Anybody who’s ever had an expense account and is honest with themselves, knows that at least a few of their claims fell into the “grey” area and, if closely scrutinised, would draw at least a question if not an outright reprimand from the boss. Now imagine the scenario if Ms. Fraser gets her way and the records of these members expenses become public. Gripped by a near religious fervour, the eager sleuths in the media would examine every entry in minute detail. The hope of course will be to uncover serious if not criminal misuse of tax payer’s money. However, if that kind of sensational find cannot be made, we will at lease be apprised of even the smallest indiscretion made by any MPP (or Senator?) in the management of his or her expenses. And so I surmise that, faced with that reality, the decision to refuse Ms. Fraser’s request was made on the basis of the lesser of two evils.

Unfortunately for our Parliamentarians, recent poll results tell us that this position has raised the ire of Canadians to an extent not often seen. When was the last time we had 88% of Canadians agreeing on anything? And in that light, what is the future of the decision that seemed to represent the best option? Our hats are off to the Block whose members in a twist of irony not lost on any of us, became on that same day, the hero's of the Canadian taxpayer.

AH