Kootenay-Columbia Tory MP David Wilks speaks out with 'tough words' on Senate expense scandal

By Michael J Morris

David Wilks, the Conservative MP for Kootenay-Columbia in British Columbia, a riding visited by Mike Duffy, the senator now involved in a scandal over expense claims, says he does not condone or tolerate any form of illegal activity whether criminal or civil in nature.

Although Wilks does not directly address the allegation that Duffy "double billed" his expense claims to the Conservative Party and the Senate, while on a visit to speak to the Kootenay-Columbia Riding Association, Robert Fife says in a comment on Twitter and Facebook in which he posts Wilks' letter, "Tough words on Senate expense scandal from BC Tory MP David Wilks." Duffy visited the riding on April 5, 2011 during the last federal election campaign. 

Fife, the Ottawa Bureau Chief of CTV News broke the scandal wide open when he reported that the Nigel Wright, the chief of staff to Stephen Harper, had given Duffy, who represents Prince Edward Island but lives in Ottawa a personal cheque for over $90,000 to pay back housing expense claims to which he was not entitled. Wright has since resigned.

Wilks wrote in his letter that appeared on May 25: "Over the past week I have heard from constituents voicing disgust and displeasure with recent events that have occurred in Ottawa, specifically, the issues revolving around Senators Duffy, Wallin, Brazeau and Harb.

"I can tell you unequivocally that I am equally upset over the entire set of events. I do not condone nor tolerate any form of illegal activity whether criminal or civil in nature."

Wilks, a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer added: "I am frustrated by a set of legislative rules that do not allow us to remove someone from public office for a breach of trust. Furthermore, if a criminal act has been committed and enough evidence is gathered then it should be brought before the courts for judgement."

After discussing constitutional challenges, Wilks returned to the main issue.

He wrote: "There is no room for ignorance of law or procedure when you sit at the highest level of government.  We have at our disposal countless legal authorities to give us advice and guidance.  If you choose not to accept that advice or guidance then, in my opinion, you live with the consequences.

"Any person who holds a public office position, either elected or appointed, should not only withstand public scrutiny, but stand before the public to explain any shortcomings.

"If you can do neither, you should do the honourable thing and quit the position."

In my Cranbrook Guardian column about "Duffygate" reaching Kootenay-Columbia riding, I wrote that I did not expect Wilks to speak out on this matter in his own words, but as a former police officer he knows "Not only must Justice be done; it must also be seen to be done."

After showing some independence from the Tory party line with public comments he made about budget provisions with which he disagreed, Wilks backed off and supported the budget in its entirety.

However, as Bob Fife noted, these are "tough words" from Wilks that makes his position clear. Now it is time for other members of the House of Commons and most especially the Senate and the prime minister himself to heed what Wilks writes about comments from his constituents who are voicing "disgust and displeasure" over the entire matter.

My email is mj.morris@live.ca