NDP MP Travel Expenses Stir Controversy Over Holiday Trip Billing

An NDP Member of Parliament (MP), Niki Ashton, is facing questions and criticism over her travel expenses, particularly a holiday trip with her family that cost Canadian taxpayers over $17,000. The trip included visits to various Canadian cities and activities.

The journey began in Manitoba, where Ashton and her family flew to Ottawa and then on to Quebec City, followed by Montreal before returning to Ottawa and eventually Thompson. The expenses, which included airfare, accommodations, and meals, were all charged to the House of Commons.

During their time in Quebec City, photos on social media showed Ashton’s partner, Bruce Moncur, and their children enjoying winter activities such as snow tubing and skating. Ashton justified the expenses by citing meetings with stakeholders related to parliamentary business.

Alana Cahill, the director of communications for the NDP, defended the trip, stating that meetings were held with various groups, including those from the cultural sector and the union movement. She emphasized that all claims were submitted following the House of Commons rules.

Franco Terrazzano, from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, raised concerns about the trip, questioning the value taxpayers received. He called for a review of MP travel expense rules to prevent potential abuses.

Recent analysis revealed that Ashton was among the highest spenders on travel within the Parliament, with the NDP having the highest per-member travel costs. This controversy adds to ongoing debates about the transparency and accountability of political figures and their use of public funds.