Isn't it great that your hard-earned tax dollars go for something important like a former MP's junket to Scotland?
If you haven't heard, ex-MP Svend Robinson recently returned from a four-day trip to Europe - a trip funded by taxpayers.
Robinson joined a group of MPs to attend a session of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). Robinson is vice-chair of the OSCE's committee on democracy, human rights and humanitarian questions.
He could have chosen to have the OSCE pay for his trip but instead let the Canadian taxpayer foot the bill.
This is the same Svend Robinson who in April resigned from his government job when he admitted he pocketed an expensive ring.
Robinson is facing a charge of theft over $5,000. He was absent from the court last week when the theft charge was read, and the case was put over until Aug. 6.
At the time of his resignation, Robinson said he was suffering from extreme stress, needed to rest and was stepping aside because of health reasons.
Nothing like a trip to Scotland to cure what ails you, right, Svend?
So let's get this straight. We have an ex-MP still riding on the coattails of taxpayers, heading off to Europe on our backs. He also has criminal charges hanging over his head.
This is deplorable.
Robinson is going to collect an annual parliamentary pension of more than $86,000 when he turns 55 and he still wants to keep his hands in the cookie jar.
He is no longer in government, so why was he allowed on this trip? What's even more disgusting is the fact the NDP would allow Robinson to represent our country at such a prestigious, international event when he's facing criminal action.
We're very disappointed in Robinson and his clear lack of judgment here. Over the years he's proven to be a man of integrity, but that clearly is no longer the case.
