March 27th, 2013
Budget 2013 undermines accountability, protects senators
The Conservative government refuses to change course on support for the Senate and on cuts to parliamentary officers. Stephen Harper’s Budget 2013 does nothing to change the Senate’s current budget and also moves forward on the planned cuts to parliamentary officers outlined in budget 2012.
“The recent Senate scandals are a flagrant indication that the red chamber needs more government oversight, and less protection. Senators have no constituency duties, yet Senator Wallin spent $300,000 on ‘other travel’ with no justification,” said NDP Democratic and Parliamentary Reform critic Craig Scott (Toronto – Danforth). “The indulgence of Senators has gone on far too long. It's time to roll up the red carpet and focus on accountability.”
Budget 2013 failed to increase the budget of the Senate Ethics Commissioner while going ahead with planned budget cuts to other Officers of Parliament, including the Chief Electoral Officer and the Auditor General (AG). Next year, the AG’s budget will be cut by almost $7 million, while last year the Chief Electoral Officer had to make do with $7.5 million less.
“Given the numerous election scandals, it is troubling that the Conservatives chose to cut the Chief Electoral Officer’s budget. Canadians are asking for stronger measures to prevent further scandals,” said NDP deputy critic for Democratic and Parliamentary Reform Alexandrine Latendresse. “To fulfill his mandate, Canada’s Chief Electoral Officer needs more resources, not less.”