Harper calls for more accountability

Prime minister Stephen Harper is calling for senate reform.

He addressed the media just before a Conservative party caucus meeting this morning, in response to the scandal that led to the stepping down of his chief of staff. It was Harper’s first public comments on Nigel Wright’s resignation and the senate spending scandal, but he did not mention any names or take any questions from the media.

Harper’s chief of staff admitted he cut a $90,000 cheque to cover senator Mike Duffy’s repayment of housing allowances that were not properly claimed.

Harper said this morning he’s “upset” by the conduct of some senators and members of his own staff, and he asked them to uphold a “culture of accountability.”

“Anyone who wants to use public office for their own benefit should make other plans or better yet, leave this room.”

There are also new reports that Harper’s former legal advisor, Benjamin Perrin, was involved in writing an agreement regarding the payment.

The NDP is asking the RCMP to see if Wright broke any laws by giving Duffy the personal cheque.