New Democrat MPs broke House of Commons spending rules by sending out mass mailings designed to further their party's political interests, House of Commons Speaker Andrew Scheer confirmed today.
In a terse written statement issued on behalf of the Board of Internal Economy, Scheer said that the board has determined that "certain mailings" sent out by New Democrat MPs "were prepared by and for the benefit of the NDP as a political party and to advance electoral purposes, and are therefore in contravention of the bylaws."
The board has asked the House to "provide advice on appropriate remedies at its next meeting."
The NDP has also been directed to turn over "all proofs of mailing related to this matter" to House administrators for further analysis.
'Well over a million mailings' under review
Conservative whip John Duncan, who serves as spokesman for the board, told reporters he's not prepared to give an estimate on the total amount that the party could end up owing the House.
"I think some numbers are floating around out there, but I don't want to do any of the prejudging," he said outside the House on Tuesday morning, adding that the board is looking at "well over a million mailings."
He dismissed the NDP claim that the other parties have "ganged up" on the party, and turned the board into a "kangaroo court." Duncan said the process has been "thorough and fair.
"They should be accepting responsibility instead of impugning everyone else, including the Speaker."
Duncan said the NDP may owe Scheer an apology after issuing a statement suggesting the impartiality of the chair was now in question.
"They know darn well he's in no position to defend himself," Duncan said.
If the party refuses to pay the money back, Duncan hinted that the board could take steps to recoup the cost of the mailings.
"MPs receive budgets, and the NDP, as a party, receives a research budget and salaries. There are obviously mechanisms to recover monies."
House committee also looks into NDP spending
The issue is also expected to come up when the House affairs committee meets later Tuesday.
The committee has been looking into allegations that the NDP has made improper use of parliamentary resources, both through its mass mailings and by using House money to staff satellite offices in Quebec.
Conservative MP Tom Lukiwski has put forward a motion to call House of Commons clerk Audrey O'Brien to the stand.
The committee may also attempt to bring back NDP Leader Tom Mulcair for a followup appearance, something that his office has said he's unwilling to do.
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