Auditor general to review Liberal MLA’s living expenses

HALIFAX – Legislature Speaker Gordie Gosse says Nova Scotia’s auditor general is reviewing a living allowance paid to Liberal member Michel Samson.

Gosse says he contacted Jacques Lapointe who agreed to conduct a review after questions arose over whether Samson was entitled to the more than 14-hundred dollar monthly allowance.

Gosse says he stands by his decision two weeks ago that Samson’s primary residence is in Halifax, and he therefore should not receive the living allowance.

But he says Samson’s public objections to the ruling prompted him to refer the matter to Lapointe.

Samson, who represents the Cape Breton riding of Richmond, submitted additional information to Gosse last week in an effort to contest the Speaker’s decision.

He says he still doesn’t agree with Gosse’s ruling, but welcomes Lapointe’s review.

Samson asked Gosse to review the allowance after a media report raised questions about whether the house he rents with his wife in Halifax is their primary residence.

Gosse says Samson’s living allowance will remain suspended pending the results of Lapointe’s review.