OTTAWA, Dec. 14, 2017 - The Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration has released the following statement following the Iceland travel appeal by Senator Marilou McPhedran at the Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017 meeting of the committee:

“Senators voted at the Dec. 14, 2017 Internal Economy Committee meeting, in full view of the public, to decline reimbursement to Senator Marilou McPhedran for her recent trip to Iceland. The vote was 12-1-1 (12 voted to decline the appeal, one voted against this and one abstained). We respect the decision of the Committee on this matter. 

The Senators’ Office Management Policy stipulates that international travel is permitted only for trips to Washington, D.C. and New York City in support of a parliamentary function. Trips to New York City must be for work related to the United Nations or meetings with United Nations officials. International travel outside of these approved destinations is not permitted under the policy.

Senators wishing to travel to international destinations beyond what is prescribed in the policy with Senate funds must publicly appear before the Internal Economy Committee and seek its authorization – a requirement that ensures continued transparency and accountability.

And as we noted with last week’s appeal, if Senators do not find the decision of the Committee satisfactory, they may further appeal to the Senate as a whole, again in full view of the public.”

- Senator Larry Campbell, Chair, and Senator Denise Batters, Q.C. and Senator Jim Munson, Deputy Chairs, Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration

For more information, please contact:

Alison Korn
Issues Management and Media Relations Advisor
Senate of Canada
t: 613- 943-6269 | mobile: 613-410-1892
Alison.Korn@sen.parl.gc.ca