Suspended MLA investigated by speaker’s office
Posted Mar 25, 2010 04:05:23 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Dartmouth North MLA Trevor Zinck is now being investigated by the Speaker’s office for irregularities with some of his expense claims.
The NDP announced the suspension of the backbencher MLA, hours before opening the spring session of the legislature Thursday.
Legislature speaker Charlie Parker says five examples of possible irregularities have been given to his office. He says it involves general office expenses, things like heat and power.
He says it appears Zinck was reimbursed for expenses he never paid.
“That seems to be at the crux of the issue,” says Parker. “Again just investigating that, we only received the letter a few days ago and there’s a lot of work to be done yet to talk to my staff and talk to legal counsel and see where we’re at with it and where we can go.”
Parker says he’s not sure of the exact amount involved.
“Probably a few thousand dollars,” says Parker. “It covers a period over the last number of months, probably about the last year or so.”
Zinck says he simply fell behind in paying his bills because of a staff change and his father’s illness. He claims his expenses are now up to date but he says he won’t be rejoining the party.
