Essex MP Tracey Ramsey’s taxpayer-funded travel expenses for her spouse were the second-highest among Ontario MPs over the past year, according to parliamentary reports.
On the Parliament of Canada website, the Members’ Expenditures Report for the second quarter of 2016-17 shows that Ramsey claimed $10,176.59 in “designated traveller” expenses.
In Ontario, only London-Fanshawe MP Irene Mathyssen ($11,661.37) incurred more designated traveller expenses over the same period.
“I am very proud to work hard for my riding and sometimes that means that I bring my family with me while I am working,” Ramsey told the Star in an email statement.
“All expenses related to my work as an MP are available to the public and are posted on my website as they are released.”
Every MP has the ability to register one person other than their employees and dependants as a traveller who will be reimbursed per diem and accommodation expenses when representing the MP at an event.
These “designated travellers” are listed on a public registry. They’re typically spouses or close relations of MPs.
Ramsey’s designated traveller is her husband Germaine, who accompanied her to Edmonton, St. John’s, Toronto, and Ottawa from April to September 2016.
In comparison, Ramsey’s fellow New Democrats Brian Masse (MP for Windsor West) claimed only $824.31 for his wife, Terry Chow, and Cheryl Hardcastle (MP for Windsor-Tecumseh) claimed $1,202.81 for her adult daughter, Cherika.
“Tracey, as our critic for International Trade, goes across Canada for tours and hearings,” Masse said. “It’s everything from CETA (Comprehensive and Economic Trade Agreement) to other matters.”
Masse also noted that MPs representing rural ridings regularly have higher travel expenses than those representing more urbanized areas.
Conservative Dave Van Kesteren (MP for Chatham-Kent-Leamington) claimed $4,177.60 in designated traveller expenses for his wife, Faye.
Among all MPs across Canada, Ramsey’s designated traveller expenses were the 19th highest. Those who had higher claims in the subcategory typically represent B.C. or Prairie ridings.
Of the four members of parliament who represent our region, only Ramsey has made it a point to regularly post her expense reports on her website.
“I believe in being transparent and accountable to the residents of Essex,” Ramsey wrote.
“Canadians have the right to know that public money is being spent properly by the Parliamentarians who are elected to represent them.”
“That’s why I’m committed to posting my quarterly expense reports as they’re made available by the House of Commons.”
Those reports include Ramsey’s complete hospitality expenditures, which detail even small purchases at Tim Hortons — as low as $9.39 — to treat constituents at town hall meetings and community events.
