HALIFAX - Some Nova Scotia politicians have filed expense claims that were "excessive or inappropriate" because of inadequate spending controls that invite errors and misuse, the province's auditor general says.
In a report released Wednesday, Jacques Lapointe concluded that inappropriate claims were made by some politicians for personal items, including nearly $8,000 for a generator installed at a member's residence and $1,260 for parking lot sanding from a company owned by a member's brother.
Excessive expenditures included $13,445 for custom-made office furniture, $5,501 for a laptop computer and $790 for a model boat office display, Lapointe said.
"We found a number of cases in which support for expenditures was deficient or did not provide adequate information to determine whether the claim for reimbursement was appropriate," Lapointe said in his report, noting that some claims were provided without original invoices or evidence that payments were made.
Lapointe audited the expenses filed by and paid to members of the legislature between July 2006 and June 2009.
"The extent to which system weaknesses, processing errors, innocent mistakes or conscious decisions by members contributed to these expenditures is unclear," Lapointe said.
In a separate statement, Lapointe explained why he did not identify the politicians whose expenses he questioned.
"Ultimately, I decided to exclude members' names from the report, not for their protection but because I hope to focus attention on a broken system that requires fixing, rather than on individuals," he said.
"(But) the argument can be made that there is both a public interest and right to know."
Lapointe said some procedures have since been tightened and some politicians have paid back money.
Lapointe said the legislature's 52 members receive significant funding for which they are not accountable, adding that regulations aren't clear on the purpose of the funds provided.
Lapointe also found that 44 members paid out over $410,000 to 157 staff in a way that is unclear whether the money is subject to taxation.
Nova Scotia auditor general finds inappropriate spending by politicians
- Published on Febuary 3rd, 2010
- Published on Febuary 20th, 2010
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The Canadian Press
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Comments
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- Blair
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:32:07
i just heard the auditor generals report on atv,the model boat was bought right here in pictou county and the honorable member stated live that he will reimburse that cost,the premier made several purchases and also said he will pay it back,and a south shore member stated he bought the generator for his Office,he never mentioned paying it back,they didn't reveal just how many members or their names on the news.Any Honest Member who did the deed,should not be afraid to Publicly acknowledge his/her Mistake just as we tax payers would have to own up to it,i did say ANY HONEST MEMBER...would step up to the plate
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- scott
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:32:04
these people should be fired, made to pay back every cent, then fined and charged for theft.
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- just
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:32:04
bman .his office is on water street in pictou.just up pass the court house.you cant miss it .the small fishing boat is in the window.you should go and see it tonight.because i can bet you that it will not be there tomorrow morning.shame on you charlie
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- Bman
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:56
I'd like to see that generator too.
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- faraway
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:56
David when you took your officer training did they also tell you to pay attention to detail? I f you read the article you will see the time frame is between July 2006 and June 2009. If you did why the mention of Darrel?
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- David
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:53
Faraway, Mr. Dexter is the one now in control; hence it is his responsibility to correct these obvious mismanaged accounts. I do not believe that my comments suggested any wrongdoing by Mr. Dexter, although failure to act could point to complicity.
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- outraged
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:53
Yes they should be Scott, it's obvious the laws are not applicable to everyone.
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- Glenn
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:50
This is an outrage, how does an MLA/member hook up a generator installed at their residence home and not realize that it should not be billed to the Nova Scotia tax payer can somebody please explain that one.
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- just
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:49
his office is on water street in pictou across from the bar and grill .it is a foot and a have white fishing boat.he will likely take it out of the window tomorrow.
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- hugh
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:46
scott you are correct in what you are saying, but there is a huge chance that these people are no longer in government.
as in DEFEATED POLITICIAN. -
- David
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:43
Perhaps the Government should make some changes and keep its own house in order prior to asking for more tax dollars from us tax payers. Many moons ago I took the officer training course discipline by example was drilled into our heads. Mr. Dexter was a military officer he should remember the training.
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- Jay Gee
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:38
Funny how this stuff comes out from the beuracrats hired by the former Gov't to make it look as if the current government is somehow corrupt. The same government employees kept this stuff quiet for years under the other guys.
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- Bman
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:37
Who bought the $790 for a model boat office display ? Where is this office? I would like to see what my tax money bought...
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- outraged
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:36
I agree Scott, the laws aren't made for everyone.
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- Skeeter
- - February 22nd, 2010 at 13:31:34
Will anyone ever comment on our previous Premier's $3900 for chairing a committee that never met. That's about $40k he pocketed for nothing. Good work.
