Secret gas allowance for Canadian Members of Parliament and civil servants

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper exposes 'secret' gas allowance for politicians and civil servants -- and demands it be stopped.

Copyright CTV NEWS

OTTAWA

The federal government is reconsidering a plan to compensate MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT and federal workers for rising gas prices through a hike in their mileage allowance.

There had been reports that the public service would be getting a 10 per cent boost to their travel allowances, to compensate for higher gasoline prices.

The report said that effective immediately, MPs of all political stripes could claim 50.6 cents a kilometre, up from 46 cents, resulting in an allowance of $400 for a return drive between Ottawa and Toronto.

Conservative Leader Stephen Harper seized on the story and demanded answers in Thursday's House of Commons question period.

"Today, we find that the government does favour a break on the high price of gas -- but only if you're a politician or a civil servant. This does nothing for ordinary Canadians except cost them money," he said.

"So will the government show some respect to taxpayers by cutting gas taxes and cancelling this mileage bonus for civil servants and politicians?"

CLICK HERE to read entire CTV NEWS report on gas allowance for Canadian politicians and civil servants.

michael mccafferty comments:

Right on ! Stephen Harper. Why should Canadian Members of Parliament (politicians) and civil servants get a heft gasoline allowance ? Why should these people get an allowance paid for by Canadian taxpayers when the minimum wage worker at Tim Horton's gets no help whatsover.

If you are mad as hell at the Liberal government in Ottawa about this then send an email to Prime Minister Paul Martin at pm@pm.gc.ca . Tell Mr. Martin there should be NO special gasoline allowance for politicians and civil servants paid for with tax dollars.

Three cheers for Stephen Harper for standing up for Canadian taxpayers!