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Ontario politicians called-out for claiming housing allowances instead of commuting

There's another political housing allowance controversy brewing in this country.

This one, however, has nothing to do with Mike Duffy and his senate colleagues; this one is happening at the Ontario legislature.

According to a report in the Toronto Star, 16 MPPs — who live within commuting distance to Queen's Park — have charged taxpayers almost $500,000 in housing allowances to stay downtown.

"The regulations allow MPPs to collect a housing allowance for lodging when they live more than 50 kilometres from the legislature, but some MPPs are now suggesting it may be time to review the distance requirement — especially since night sittings are rare."

According to the report, the legislature's Board of Internal Economy discussing whether the allowance rule should be reopened.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation thinks it should.

"Politicians should always be looking for ways to reduce government spending and save taxpayers money," the CTF's Candice Malcolm told Yahoo Canada News.

"They should set an example to all government employees about responsible spending, and MPPs who could easily commute to and from work, but choose to bill taxpayers for lodging in Toronto, do not set a very good example. The CTF believes there should be a clear set of rules surrounding MPP travel expenses, and these rules need to be better enforced."

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The list of MPPs taking advantage of the political perk, includes former Barrie MPP Rod Jackson who expensed $20,400 in housing allowances in the last fiscal year. Instead of staying downtown, he might have been able to utilize the GO train to get back to Barrie -- like thousands of others do everyday.

Kitchener Waterloo's Catherine Fife charged taxpayers $19,764 for a housing allowance. She could driven 1.5 hours — each way — to and fro the legislature.

The full list of MPPs who might have been able to commute can be seen here.

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Yahoo Canada News spent the morning and some of the afternoon reaching out to several of these MPPs.

None of the MPPs made themselves available to justify their expenses.

And there may be some justifications: late night committee meetings, caucus meetings, other events etc...

What do you think?

Should MPPs who live just outside a 50 kilometre radius from Queen's Park be entitled to a housing allowance? Or should they be forced to commute -- on public transit or on our highways — like so many other people do?

Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

( Photo courtesy The Canadian Press)

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