Ottawa - In its commitment to transparency, efficiency and accountability, the Senate adopted last week a new disclosure model that will provide more detail and uniformity in the quarterly disclosure of Senators’ expenses.

The Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration unanimously approved the new model in a precedent-setting meeting last Thursday that was open entirely to the public.

“This decision is another example of our commitment to openness and accountability,” said Senator Leo Housakos, Chair of the committee. “It is an essential step toward restoring Canadians’ trust in the Senate. The new proactive disclosure regime is proof positive that we’re following through on our promise to modernize the Senate.”

Senator Jane Cordy, Deputy Chair of the committee, applauded the efforts of Senate staff in putting together this new and exacting disclosure model. 

“Many people have worked hard to ensure this new system offers Canadians broad access to information about their Senators. This is just one of the changes we’ve adopted to make Senate accountability mechanisms more robust,” Senator Cordy said.

One of the highlights of this new model of disclosure is the provision of detailed breakdowns of all contracts, including the nature of the contract and the name of the supplier.

The infrastructure is being built to support this new model, which will come into effect in the fall of 2016. Expenses incurred as of July 1 will be published within 60 days of the end of the quarter. The disclosure information will be hosted on the Senate of Canada’s website. In addition to information on contracts, it will also offer enhanced details about individual Senators’ travel and hospitality expenses.

The new model does not include expenses incurred while on committee or parliamentary association business. Expenses related to travel taken by parliamentary associations are tabled in the House of Commons and the Senate shortly after each visit. Expenses related to Senate committees are reported annually at the end of the fiscal year and tabled in the Senate‎.

For more information, please contact:

Jacqui Delaney
Communications Advisor and Director of Parliamentary Affairs
Office of the Hon. Senator Leo Housakos
613-996-2796
jacqui.delaney@sen.parl.gc.ca

Matthew Ryan
Regional Assistant
Office of the Hon. Senator Jane Cordy
613-995-8509
matthew.ryan@sen.parl.gc.ca