Tory MP Eve Adams defends herself for claiming expenses on grooming products and services

Conservative MP Eve Adams is defending herself over allegations that she broke Election Canada rules for claiming over $2,777 in "personal expenses" during the 2011 election on things such visits to a hair and nail salons, mouthwash and whitening toothpaste.

Late Monday afternoon, Postmedia News' Glen McGregor published an article suggesting that Adams' paperwork was still being reviewed by Elections Canada and that she exceeded the personal expense limit which is set at $200.

According to the report, Adams list of personal expenses included the following:

- Six receipts from Davinci Salon and Spa (presumably for wash and blow dry) : $424

- Another receipt from Davinci Salon and Spa (presumably for highlights & colouring): $110

- A list of items from Shoppers Drug Mart including Crest 3D mouthwash, whitening toothpaste, Neutrogena cleanser, Nivia Visage cream, a Sally Hershberger hair product and travel hairbrushes: $266

- New Nails and spa: $63 (including a $4 tip)

The Postmedia report also suggests that Adams — formerly a city councillor in Mississauga — claimed $1,877 in childcare expenses to somebody who uses the address of a Brampton Hair Salon. Childcare expenses are allowed under Elections Canada rules.

On Twitter, Adams fought back against McGregor.

Peter Adams — Eve's ex-husband — was her financial agent for the 2011 election. He told CBC News that he was required to "disclose ALL personal expenses fully knowing of a cap of $200."

Under Elections Canada rules, campaigns are reimbursed up to 60 per cent of eligible expenses if they receive at least 10 per cent of the vote.

In other words, taxpayers might be on the hook for a portion of Adams' hair and nail appointments.

(Photo courtesy of pm.gc.ca)

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