Philpott billed taxpayers $520 for Air Canada lounge access, document shows

By The Canadian Press | News, Politics | August 22nd 2016

Health Minister Jane Philpott (right) is being criticized by opposition Conservatives over a $520 membership to Air Canada's executive lounge. Photo by The Canadian Press.

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The federal Conservatives are raising new questions about Health Minister Jane Philpott's travel expenses.

A receipt obtained by the official Opposition shows she billed taxpayers $520 for a year's membership to Air Canada's executive airport lounges in North America and Europe.

Conservative health critic Colin Carrie wants Philpott to pay back the money, calling it another example of the minister's lack of judgment.

Philpott's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last week, Philpott said she would pay back $3,700 in high-end car service costs after it was revealed she billed for $1,700 on one day and more than $1,900 on another day.

The minister's department is also reviewing 20 trips to Toronto Pearson International Airport that cost $3,815 to see if taxpayers were charged fair-market value.

The car service — used to take the minister between work events — was provided by a limo company owned by a volunteer who canvassed for Philpott in the last election.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the minister's situation is a reminder his government must be "extremely careful" about its expenses and the public trust it holds.

August 22nd 2016

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Sara-Anne Peterson |

Maybe because I'm so seriously steamed about Jason Kenney campaigning around Alberta on his MP salary this article in Canadian Press and every other main stream media this article really gets up my nose. No word of the very serious business she's engaged in reworking the health accord and no word of her very distinguished career. Are all the media still in conservative thrall and wallowing down in the mud. Where is the mains stream media which should be informing us about serious things like the health accord and the electoral systems we should be learning about.

Steve Heather |

I don't see a problem with this. It's a relatively small cost and I see the need for a more private space for work when she's waiting gor a flight.

Steve Heather |

I don't see a problem with this. It's a relatively small cost and I see the need for a more private space for work when she's waiting gor a flight.