Municipal politicians in Nova Scotia won’t be able to expense alcohol under changes to be tabled during the legislature’s spring sitting.
READ MORE: Municipal politicians in N.S. should post expenses publicly: Zach Churchill
Municipal Affairs Minister Zach Churchill says the change is part of a bill that would bring the expense rules for municipal councillors and chief administrative officers in line with those in place for provincial politicians.
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Churchill says as a result, all expenses would have to be reported online under a uniform set of rules for all municipalities.
There would also be municipal auditing committees that will include a qualified member of the public who would provide oversight.
Churchill says the move is in response to a forensic audit in Richmond County that revealed questionable expense claims by some councillors and senior staff, and uncovered a lack documentation in the form of detailed receipts.
READ MORE: Nova Scotia audit of Richmond County finds spending at Texas strip club
He says there has to be a level of accountability and transparency around expenses that the public has confidence in.
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