Senate Spending Scandal Could Result in Criminal Charges

Questions have been raised about the spending of Senators Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin, Patrick Brazeau and Mac Harb, especially after the involvement of Nigel Wright, former Chief of Staff for the Prime Minister, were raised.

The Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson is now investigating Wright, and the Office of the Senate Ethics Officer is investigating Senator Mike Duffy. But the scandal may potentially have criminal implications as well.

Former RCMP superintendent Garry Clement has indicated that charges of fraud or breach of trust may be applicable:

If you look at the allegations and you look at the Senate Act and the ways it’s described as housing goes, than I think that’s probably the approach they’ll take.

From my read of the Act and from what’s been alleged through the media I think they have pretty strong grounds.