Duffy’s ethics filing frees him to return to Senate if acquitted

[Mike Duffy. Greg Banning/La Presse Canadienne]

Embattled Sen. Mike Duffy could be considering a return to the Red Chamber, as indicated by his filing of an ethics declaration.

All senators are required to annually submit a signed public disclosure summary to the Senate ethics officer — and Duffy provided an updated copy of his on Dec. 16 as first reported by the Ottawa Citizen.

The public disclosure summary cites the senator’s continued involvement with Mike Duffy Media Services, which is largely used to arrange his speaking engagements. It also lists the former journalist’s pensions from CTV, CBC, and Canada Pension Plan, as well as his RSP and TFSA accounts.

Duffy, who was appointed along with Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau to the Senate by former prime minister Stephen Harper in December 2008, is currently on trial for fraud, bribery and breach of trust, but if he’s found not guilty, the update disclosure summary would allow him to continue to sit in the Senate this year.

But he is already receiving his $142,000 Senate salary since Parliament was dissolved in August ahead of the federal election in October, ending his suspension-without-pay. He is not, however, currently allowed to sit in the Upper House due to rules requiring him to take a leave of absence while facing criminal charges.

Duffy’s trial, which began last April and is currently on hiatus, will resume on Feb. 22 when closing arguments are expected. If he then receives either an acquittal or a conditional or absolute discharge, he’ll be free to return to the Senate.

Duffy and his lawyer Donald Bayne were contacted for comment.