Suspension expired, Wallin returns to work
Former TV news anchor investigated for expenses by RCMP back in Senate
OTTAWA— Sen. Pamela Wallin says she is back at work and catching up on what happened in the nearly two years she was suspended over disputed travel claims.
“I am pleased to be able to continue my work as a senator on behalf of the people of Saskatchewan and others who reach out to their representatives,” Wallin wrote in a short emailed statement Thursday.
“At present I am reviewing the activities, the debates and the legislation discussed by the Senate during my absence,” Wallin wrote after the Star sent her questions about the work she was doing now that her office is back up and running.
“As well, I am attending events here in Saskatchewan and meeting with people to discuss issues and the challenges facing our province,” wrote Wallin, who did not make herself available for an interview.
The former broadcast journalist was suspended from the Senate along with Sen. Mike Duffy and Sen. Patrick Brazeau, in November 2013 for disputed expenses.
Former Liberal Mac Harb had re- signed from the Senate that summer.
The suspension order expired with the dissolution of Parliament, so Wallin is now once again to receive her salary — a basic sessional indemnity of $142,400 per year divided into a monthly paycheque — and make use of office resources.
The RCMP began investigating Wallin nearly two years ago, alleging in court documents she had committed fraud and breach of trust by having the Senate reimburse her for travel associated with personal and private business associated with her roles on corporate boards and as chancellor of the University of Guelph. None of these allegations has been proven in court and Wallin has not been charged, but CTV News reported Monday night the RCMP had handed its file on Wallin over to the Crown for review.
On Tuesday, her lawyer, Terrence O’Sullivan, said Wallin had not heard anything from the RCMP since the investigation began. Wallin repaid $154,191 in expense claims, including interest, and has blamed them on administrative errors.