OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) applauded the introduction today of a Private Members Bill by MP John Williamson, (Conservative – New Brunswick Southwest). The bill, entitled The Protecting Taxpayers and Revoking Pensions of Convicted Politicians Act, would take away the Parliamentary pension from any MP or senator convicted of a serious crime, including stealing from taxpayers.

The CTF also called on the Harper government to make this a government bill, and pass it before Parliament adjourns for the summer.

“There’s few things Canadians find more insulting than having to foot the bill for a generous pension plan for a politician who has ripped off taxpayers,” said CTF Federal Director Gregory Thomas. “By adopting this bill as government policy and making it law before the House adjourns the Prime Minister would send a message to Parliament and to all Canadians that expense fraud won’t be tolerated and crooked politicians will pay a heavy price.”

The CTF has long called for a “Lavigne Rule,” named after former Quebec Senator Raymond Lavigne, who resigned with a full pension just prior to being convicted of fraud for stealing from taxpayers.

“The best part of this bill is that it takes effect immediately. If passed, politicians currently under investigation by the RCMP won’t be able to ‘pull a Lavigne’ and resign at the last minute saving their rich pension,” continued Thomas. “But that’s only if this bill is passed.”

The pension measure is one of five accountability recommendations in the CTF’s Accountability Act 2.0, a proposed package of reforms to clean up Parliament Hill and put an end to expense scandals.

Other tenets of the program include making MPs and senators subject to the federal Access to Information Act, regular comprehensive audits by the Auditor General of spending by MPs and Senators, online reporting of all expenses by MPs and senators, and recall provisions for MPs and senators similar to the legislation in effect in British Columbia.

“This bill corrects a glaring deficiency in Canadian public accountability law,” said Thomas. “Prime Minister, we ask you to send a message: pass this bill before the House rises for the summer.”