Sukh Dhaliwal publishes expenses online: voters have a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent, says MP

SURREY, BC - Newton-North Delta Member of Parliament Sukh Dhaliwal has provided public access to his expenses on his website, giving constituents the opportunity for scrutiny.This is a common sense approach to information that is clearly within the public interest, according to Dhaliwal.

“The Auditor General has requested access to look at the way the House of Commons spends taxpayers’ money, and I am in full support of this kind of investigation,” said Dhaliwal. “If we can achieve greater parliamentary efficiencies as a result of this process, then it is a positive development for all Canadians.”

In addition to the Auditor General’s inquiry, the issue of expenses with regards to Members of Parliament has also arisen. In particular, decisions such as flying family members out on the taxpayers’ dime have caused concern amongst Canadians.

In spite of a having a young family, Dhaliwal has rarely used the family travel passes provided to his office, feeling uncomfortable with claiming that kind of an expenditure.

“Like every other MP, I was aware of the personal sacrifices that came with this job before making a decision to run” said Dhaliwal. “I miss my young son and my family, but I am also unwilling to expect taxpayers to be financially responsible as a result.”

Dhaliwal’s expenses for 2008-2009 can be found online at http://www.sukhdhaliwal.com/proactive-disclosure. 
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For more information, please contact
604-506-0735
DhaliS1B@parl.gc.ca