Members of Parliament are demanding former Liberal MP Yasmin Ratansi to reimburse the House of Commons C$9,391.27, as decided by the Board of Internal Economy. Ratansi had violated a parliamentary bylaw by employing her sister in her constituency office for over three years, using public funds. The denomination includes termination and severance pay amounts given to Ratansi’s sister when her employment was terminated.
On March 8, Ratansi issued a statement expressing surprise that the board made its ruling even though the ethics inquiry is ongoing. “It is not a lack of collaboration or cooperation but seeking fairness and a due and respectful process,” she said about her request for the board to not interfere with the independent investigation.
There is a parliamentary bylaw that prohibits MPs from hiring immediate family members. Former employees of Ratansi told CBC News that Ratansi would conceal her and her sister’s relationship by using a pseudonym and having her hide when people who would recognize her came into the office. To go through these lengths reveals how wrong this rule violation is. What’s your immediate reaction?
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Featured Image: Courtesy of Canadian Press
