Health Minister Jane Philpott has apologized for misusing funds.We see a somewhat sad-faced Philpott from the shoulders u with the Peace Tower in the background. She has long, brown hair parted on the right.

Health Minister Jane Philpott has apologized for misusing funds.
Photo Credit: cbc.ca

Health minister admits misuse of funds

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s new Liberal government has sought to stay squeaky clean  as it heads toward the end of its first year in power.

Suddenly, there’s a problem. Not major, mind you, but a problem none the less.

After a week of week of accusations that she misled the House of Commons, Health Minister Jane Philpott issued a statement Thursday night apologizing for the “excessive” cost of limousine rides she took in March and July and pledging to personally replay the $3,703 tab.

“I would like to apologize for the excessive costs related to travel for my work responsibilities. This does not live up to the standard that Canadians expect and I have taken steps to ensure that this does not occur again,” she wrote.

How much political juice Philpott’s admission carries remains to be seen.

But the opposition is not happy.

New Democrat MP Charlie Angus says he hopes the governing Liberals will learn a lesson about establishing accountability for cabinet ministers.

Conservative MP Colin Carrie has written to the ethnics commissioner asking for a formal investigation are asking the ethics commissioner to look into Philpott’s use of the limousines, owned by one of her supporters.

With files from CBC and CP.

Categories: Politics, Society
Tags: , ,

Do you want to report an error or a typo? Click here!

For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.