06-27-2006, 04:55 AM
Judge to review N.L. constituency allowances
Updated Mon. Jun. 26 2006 1:45 PM ET
Canadian Press
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- A judge has been called in to review the way Newfoundland's provincial politicians use their constituency allowances in the wake of a spending scandal that prompted the resignation of a cabinet minister.
Premier Danny Williams says the review will also examine how these allowances are spent in other provinces.
Derek Greene, chief justice of the Newfoundland Supreme Court, will conduct the review.
Auditor General John Noseworthy delivered a report last week that showed Natural Resources Minister Ed Byrne spent nearly $327,000 from his constituency allowance -- more than 10 times the legal limit -- over a two-year period.
Byrne resigned last week and police were called in.
Three other provincial politicians have been implicated in the probe, but Noseworthy has yet to reveal their names.
Noseworthy is also investigating payments made by the legislature to suppliers.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has not decided whether charges will be laid.
Constituency allowances are normally used to pay for expenses, including office rent, equipment, supplies, secretarial services, newspapers, advertising, flags and pins.
Updated Mon. Jun. 26 2006 1:45 PM ET
Canadian Press
ST. JOHN'S, N.L. -- A judge has been called in to review the way Newfoundland's provincial politicians use their constituency allowances in the wake of a spending scandal that prompted the resignation of a cabinet minister.
Premier Danny Williams says the review will also examine how these allowances are spent in other provinces.
Derek Greene, chief justice of the Newfoundland Supreme Court, will conduct the review.
Auditor General John Noseworthy delivered a report last week that showed Natural Resources Minister Ed Byrne spent nearly $327,000 from his constituency allowance -- more than 10 times the legal limit -- over a two-year period.
Byrne resigned last week and police were called in.
Three other provincial politicians have been implicated in the probe, but Noseworthy has yet to reveal their names.
Noseworthy is also investigating payments made by the legislature to suppliers.
The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary has not decided whether charges will be laid.
Constituency allowances are normally used to pay for expenses, including office rent, equipment, supplies, secretarial services, newspapers, advertising, flags and pins.