Ottawa - Statement from Senator Leo Housakos, Chair of Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (CIBA), and Senator Jane Cordy, Deputy Chair of the Committee:

“Following the ruling of Judge Charles Vaillancourt in R. v. Duffy, in an effort to identify opportunities to strengthen the Senate’s financial processes, policies and procedures, Senate finance officials reviewed the ruling. During the course of this review, finance officials re-examined some expenses claims in light of new information released in the ruling and determined they did not appear to be eligible. The Senate Chief Financial Officer acted prudently by bringing this to the attention of the Senate Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration (CIBA).

As Senator Duffy himself acknowledges through his lawyer, CIBA has followed the Dispute Resolution Process put in place in May 2015, which includes the option of Senator Duffy choosing to have his case heard by the Special Arbiter, former Justice Ian Binnie.

The Dispute Resolution Process is an independent, arm's length process that ensures senators are not sitting in judgment of other senators. This process is being adhered to in Senator Duffy’s case exactly as it has been for all senators since its implementation.

The documentation submitted by Senator Duffy through his lawyer meets the deadline requirement established as part of that process and will now be taken into consideration.

The Senate remains steadfast in its commitment to transparency, efficiency and accountability, with respect for taxpayers' dollars as our guiding principle."

For more information on the Dispute Resolution Process, click here.

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