OPINION

Ivy League courses, executive training, and certifications from newage self-help gurus are among the postpolitical life transition expenses claimed by former members of Parliament.

Former MPs billed taxpayers over $90,000 in ‘transitional’ education benefits: documents MPs billed the federal government’s transition support program $90,303.89. The program makes $15,000 available to former MPs, meant to assist in career transition for life outside of public office.

Documents obtained by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation show that 12 former

While each former MP has up to 12 months to use the $15,000 benefit, extensions were granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among others, Whitby MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes in 2022 claimed $3,983.34 to the Chopra Centre, a new-age wellness and educational institute co-founded by celebrity alternative-medicine guru Deepak Chopra. In 2019, she expensed $2,094.08 to San Diego-based private online school Northcentral University.

In 2022, former Fredericton MP Matt DeCourcey expensed $8,690 in transition fund dollars for a “Mini MBA” program with the McGill Executive Institute.

This is appalling and must change. Running for office is a calling it is not and should not be viewed as a career nor a stepping stone to a new one courtesy of the taxpayer. The trouble we have now is too many career politicians who have no idea about the real world and feel compelled and justified to use these perks all paid for by their neighbours. Plus a $92K severance if you don’t qualify for the pension? Where do I sign up? No wonder they all vote in unison. Don’t wish to rock the boat or be kicked off the good ship gravy train.

According to his LinkedIn page, DeCourcey spent nine months as senior adviser to the federal finance minister, before taking a two-year position as senior strategic engagement advisor to the president of the University of New Brunswick between December 2020 and February 2023.

He started a new position this month as head of corporate affairs for a California-based software development firm. He’s also a senior fellow for the Pearson Centre think tank, and a mentor with a youth-oriented education and fellowship program.

Two former MPs who billed for transition funding ultimately www.theasianstar.com

# 202 - 8388, 128 St., Surrey, BC V3W 4G2

Ph: 604-591-5423

Fax: 604-591-8615

E-mail: editor@theasianstar.com

Editor: Umendra Singh

Associate Editor: Chhavi Disawar

Marketing and Sales:

Ravi Cheema......................604-715-3847

Shamir Doshi....................604-649-7827

Harminder Kaur...............778-708-0481

Parminder Dhillon..........604-902-2858

Pre-Press: Iftikhar Ahmed

Design: Avee J Waseer

Contributing writers: Jag Dhatt, Akash Sablok, Kamila Singh, Jay Bains, Hardam S. Mann

Publication Mail Agreement No 428336012

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Dept. New address:

# 202 - 8388, 128 St., Surrey, BC V3W 4G2

All advertising in The Asian Star is subject to the publishers’ approval and the advertiser agrees to indemnify the publishers against claims arising from publication of any advertisement submitted by the advertiser.