To the Editor:
By now many of you have either read or seen media coverage about the Auditor General’s report on MLA expenses and allowances.
The Auditor General believes some of these expenditures were excessive and inappropriate. He has determined, in his opinion, serious weaknesses in the current expense and allowance system. The PC Caucus also recognizes the need to bring the regulations up to a higher standard.
In a letter from the Auditor General to the Speaker of the House, MLAs who he believed had such expenses were identified. Information in that letter was shared with appropriate party caucus leaders. For our caucus, one member was identified. He has acknowledged that publicly and has repaid the full amount of the claim.
Five former MLAs were also identified. They were asked to contact the Speaker’s Office and all have done so.
I do not condone or defend unreasonable expenses and the Legislative Internal Economy Board will deal with such matters in response to the Auditor General’s report.
The PC Caucus understands the public’s perception, even if purchases were made without ill intent. As Progressive Conservative members and party ambassadors in your communities, I regret the position you have been placed in and I ask for your understanding and continued support.
It is important to understand that the process for completing expense claims includes submitting the claim from a constituency office to the office of the Speaker. The Speaker’s office then reviews the claim and determines which expenses are eligible for reimbursement based on existing guidelines. Tens of thousands of transactions are processed through that office. Not all expense claims that are submitted are approved and reimbursed. It is these guidelines and this process that needs to be improved.
A list of expenses incurred through a constituency office are available to the public through the Speaker’s Office. Each MLA is responsible for submitting claims for their constituency office.
If you have questions regarding claims submitted through the Colchester North Constituency Office, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you.
The Speaker has said that he has accepted the recommendations and will call on all MLAs to work with him to find solutions to the issues identified in the report.
As your MLA, along with the entire Caucus, I am committed to working with the Speaker to bring about those improvements.

Sincerely,
Karen Casey,
MLA Colchester North
Leader, Progressive
Conservative Party of Nova Scotia