When NDP MLA and "legislative accountability" critic Shane Simpson told the Vancouver Sun on the weekend that his office had never received a request to post MLA expenses online, we went to work. On Monday afternoon, we sent an email to CTF supporters who want precisely that, and in the first 12 hours, we were cc'd on more than 100 emails to Simpson's office. And they're still rolling in!

Hopefully, Mr.Simpson reads his email before he goes into this morning's Legislature Management committee meeting where MLAs will discuss posting expense receipts online. 

Here's what we sent supporters yesterday:

Dear Supporter,

We need your help today! For years, B.C. MLAs have been dragging their heels and refusing to post receipts for their travel and hospitality expenses for taxpayers to see. But there is a glimmer of hope: Finance Minister Mike de Jong is making a push this week to get MLAs to disclose how they are spending our money.

Recent spending scandals like B.C. Speaker Linda Reid taking her husband on a first-class trip to South Africa has refocused de Jong on the need to post MLA travel and expense receipts online. Having these receipts out there for everyone to see will force politicians to think twice about spending our tax dollars – and give taxpayers the ability to ensure our hard-earned money is being spent wisely.

But not every MLA is convinced. NDP MLA Shane Simpson told The Vancouver Sun posting receipts isn’t necessary:

Simpson said he’s never had a call from the public expressing interest in seeing receipts. “I don’t think it’s necessary.”

Unbelievably, Mr. Simpson is the opposition critic for “Legislative Accountability.” With opposition like that, no wonder no receipts are online! Let’s make sure Mr. Simpson hears loud and clear that taxpayers want B.C. MLAs to post receipts, just like Alberta and Nova Scotia MLAs do. Here’s how you can help:

1. Email Shane Simpson at [email protected] (cc Mike de Jong at [email protected] and the CTF at [email protected]) telling Mr. Simpson that taxpayers want to see MLA expense receipts and asking him to support whatever measures are necessary to make that happen.

2. Sign our petition calling for B.C. MLAs to post expense receipts at: https://www.taxpayer.com/resource-centre/petitions/petition?tpContentId=16

3. Contact your own MLA and let them know you want to see MLA expense online. You can find their contact information here: http://www.leg.bc.ca/mla/3-1-1.htm

Let’s get this settled once and for all – and put MLA expense receipts online for taxpayers to see.

Thanks!

 -  Jordan, Troy, Shannon and the rest of the CTF Team

P.S.: We have been leading this fight for years – exposing MLA waste stories and pushing for more government accountability. Would you consider helping us continue this fight with a $10 donation to the CTF? Visit our secure donation site at: https://www.taxpayer.com/donate/.