The Democracy Watch complaint lists 16 businesses and lobby organizations from various sectors that are registered in the federal Registry of Lobbyists and that, since 2009, have paid for trips by MPs and, in one case, also by senators. OTTAWA—A political accountability watchdog has filed an ethics complaint with federal commissioner of lobbying Karen Shepherd about the gifts of paid travel that various lobbying organizations have given to MPs — and a few senators — in recent years. A number of parliamentarians travel abroad each year as guests of organizations, companies or foreign governments. MPs have defended the practice, saying it allows them to learn more about issues of importance to their constituents through travel they otherwise could not afford. Ottawa-based Democracy Watch, which promotes high ethical standards in government, says the gifts violate a rule that prohibits lobbyists from doing anything that would put an MP, senator or other public office holder in even the appearance of a conflict of interest.

Source: thestar May 26, 2016 20:31 UTC