B. C. to take second look at MLAs’ housing allowances: official

VICTORIA — An expensive housing allowance for MLAs to purchase second homes, rent condos or stay in hotels while on business in Victoria will be reviewed, says the legislature’s top official.

Speaker Linda Reid says it is a “new day” for financial accountability at the legislature.

“We’re certainly going to look at it, as new practices come to light, as new understandings about financial accountability come to light,” she said. “Everything is on the table for further examination, no question.”

Reid was responding to a report in the Victoria Times Colonist that outlined how taxpayers will pay up to $ 1.1 million for MLA housing allowances in Victoria this year, even though the legislature will only sit for 36 days.

Most MLAs — 42 of 78 eligible — are receiving a $ 1,000 monthly housing allowance toward their rent or mortgage, which does not require any receipts or proof that the money was spent on housing.

Another 27 MLAs have chosen to stay in hotels while on business in Victoria, while nine MLAs are submitting monthly receipts to receive $ 1,583 a month toward rental accommodation in the capital.

Reid sidestepped a question about whether the cash payments could be abused by MLAs, and whether there is any evidence some of the money is being pocketed by politicians.

“I’m taking a look at all the pieces of the puzzle,” she said.

NDP house leader John Horgan said he supports a review of housing allowances, which were approved years earlier by a different legislature.

MLAs on an all- party management committee briefly discussed the issue Tuesday, as part of a move toward increased transparency and disclosure of politicians’ expenses.