Shurman and Hudak disagree

The fall session began Monday at Queen’s Park. And there’s a lot on the agenda including lowering of car insurance rates a new spending watchdog and a ban on teens using tanning beds. But front and centre as MPP’s returned from their summer break is the controversy surrounding Thornhill MPP Peter Shurman. He was removed from his role as PC Finance Critic Sunday over questions about how he was treating the MPP housing allowance rules. Kelda Yuen has the details.

It seems drama is never far from Queen’s Park. The latest to play out surrounds Peter Shurman, who represents the riding of Thornhill but claims a house on Niagara-on the-lake as his primary residence. Since his residence is more then 50 kilometers from Queen’s Park, he was able to claim a housing allowance to rent an apartment in Toronto. PC Leader Tim Hudak removed Shurman from his role as Finance Critic Sunday. He and other leaders spoke more about the decision and why changes need to be made.

Shurman was dogged by media after the session Monday, refusing to say anything about Hudak’s decision to fire him as Tory Finance Critic.

Tim Hudak said: “I said to Peter, pay back these expenses. If you don’t pay them back, you can’t stay as Finance Critic. He made his decision. I’ve made mine.”

Shurman was moved to the backbenches from his usual front-row seat near Hudak.

The MPP said he won’t be claiming the housing allowance hid Niagara-on-the-Lake home anymore, though he says Hudak approved his claim last year for nearly $21,000; something the PC leader denies.

“Did I approve these expenses? No. Absolutely not.” said Hudak.

THIS LATEST SCANDAL CAST A SHADOW OVER THIS MORNING’S RESUMPTION OF THE LEGISLATURE….

Liberal House Leader John Milloy said: “I can’t think of anyone who spent 5 minutes studying how the rules were would not have the conclusion that he was ineligible.”

While NDP Leader Andrea Horwath chimed in: “I think this is the kind of thing that raises eyebrows with folks”.

Hudak is among those speaking out on the need for a change in rules to better protect taxpayers.

“Peter followed the rules of the assembly. But I think the rules need to change”.

Newly elected PC MPP Doug Hollyday said: “The rules need to be tightened. This is the very thing we are upset with in the city of Toronto. We have rules that people can bend in various ways, and I don’t think they were used in the way they were intended.”

Horwath added: “That’s what people look for I think. How do people behave when there are a set of rules, and how they take advantage or don’t take advantage of them.”

As for the money that’s already been claimed:

“He admitted his mistake, well then rectify it.” said Milloy.

But ultimately the choice comes down to Shurman.

“That’s going to be his decision because it was approved by the administration based on a loophole.” said Hollyday.

“I think that’s something the Conservatives will have to deal with.” concluded Horwath.

A spokeswoman for Tim Hudak says a new Finance Critic will be named within the next couple of days.