Watchdog’s Ottawa commute pricey

Taxpayers have forked over hundreds of thousands of dollars so the Ontario ombudsman could commute between Toronto and Ottawa for the past decade.

Andre Marin has claimed $206,821.16 in housing expenses for just a fraction of that time — from Oct. 1, 2010, to March 31, 2014, the last date for which his proactive expense disclosure is available. That’s an average of $14,800 a month, or $592,000 over 10 years.

“I don’t hide that I live in Ottawa,” Marin said. “I tweet about my life, I tweet about my dogs, so I’ve been very open about it and transparent.”

He was first appointed in 2005.

The legislation governing his office states, “the Ombudsman is entitled to be paid reasonable travelling and living expenses while absent from his or her ordinary place of residence” when doing work for his post.

Marin’s expenses show he sometimes spends more than $2,000 a month on accommodation in Toronto, which even in that city’s costly housing market rents a pretty nice place for one person.

The ombudsman says his housing and travel claims are no more than what the average member of the Ontario legislature receives for living in Toronto and any riding more than 50 kilometres from Queen’s Park.

He also said those involved in the all-party process to appoint him and all legislative officers knew about his living arrangements, when he got the job and when his term was extended in 2010. He is hoping to be confirmed for a third five-year stint when his current term ends May 31.

“The only time it popped up as an issue was when my term was last time … it was an ugly smear campaign and that’s the last time there was discussion of expenses,” Marin said. “No one asked me, ‘ Are you going to move?’… everybody knows what the act can provide and everybody knew I came from Ottawa.”

Other legislative officers expense far less. For example, then-auditor general Jim McCarter expensed under $6,000 in the 12 months ended March 31, 2013 (his successor’s account is not yet posted online). In fiscal 2014, the information and privacy commissioner claimed more than $8,300 in expenses while living in Toronto.

Marin also charged more than $8,000 in additional hospitality and travel expenses in fiscal 2014. In comparison, Attorney General Madeleine Meilleur, who represents Ottawa-Vanier, totalled $38,718 in travel and housing expenses.

Marin’s taxable salary in 2014, according to the Sunshine List, topped $230,000.