Canada PoliticsSenator Mike Duffy says he paid back housing allowance, Senate confirms
Mike Duffy has in fact paid back $90,172 he received as a Senate 'living allowance.'
Duffy released this statement to CTV News late Friday afternoon:
"I have always said that I am a man of my word.
In keeping with the commitment I made to Canadians, I can confirm that I repaid these expenses in March 2013."
CTV claims that the money was paid back in March and that was confirmed by the Senate.
You'll recall, a couple of months ago, Duffy faced a barrage of negative media attention with regard to allegations that he claimed a Senate living allowances that he wasn't legally entitled to.
The living allowance is for individuals who keep a 'second home' in Ottawa and a primary residence somewhere else. Media reports, however, suggested that the former CTV journalist had lived in his Ottawa home for many years and even voted in the Ottawa region.
Then, finally, on February 22nd, Duffy did the right thing and said he would voluntarily pay back the money.
Earlier this week, Global News reported that Duffy was dodging questions and was potentially reneging on his promise.
"Conservative Senator Mike Duffy has not paid back the tens of thousands of dollars in housing expenses he said he’d return almost two months ago.
And now, he says he isn’t sure he’s “required” to."
The Global report caused anger and outrage from fellow senators, opposition MPs and the media.
But it looks like Duffy is 'a man of his word' and did pay back the money.
In this case, Mike Duffy has done the right thing.
He says he won't comment on this issue anymore until a Deloitte audit on Senate expenses is complete.
(Photo courtesy of Canadian Press)
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