Quebec Senator Amina Gerba undertook two trips to Vancouver with her husband for intensive English courses, costing almost $22,000 in total. These trips, occurring in July 2023 and 2024, were within Senate travel regulations and were fully reimbursed. The couple attended classes at Collège Éducacentre, with tuition fees of $1,521 per course.
Travel expenses for the six-day trips, including hotel stays, business-class airfare, and daily allowances, amounted to $9,064.30 and $9,790.25 for the respective years. Senator Gerba, representing Rigaud in Quebec, stated that she adhered to the Senate’s office management policy governing travel and other expenses.
Senate members are eligible for reimbursement for official language training and associated travel costs, extending to their spouses as well. Senator Raymonde Saint-Germain, part of the Senate’s internal economy committee, advocated for a review of language training guidelines, questioning the justification of the current setup.
Following inquiries into Gerba’s travel expenditure, the committee is set to evaluate the rules concerning language courses. Saint-Germain emphasized the importance of mastering both languages but suggested exploring more cost-effective methods within the realm of public service.
Senator Gerba defended her trips as essential for her duties in representing the country, enhancing her language skills, and gaining cultural insights. She highlighted the professional engagements during her stays, including discussions on legislative matters and interactions with various organizations.
Bloc Québécois MP Christine Normandin and NDP MP Alexandre Boulerice criticized Gerba’s expenses, suggesting they were unwarranted. They called for reimbursement, questioning the necessity of traveling to Vancouver for language training when similar courses are available closer to her residence.
Apart from language training, the Senate is also reassessing other types of travel, such as regional familiarization tours. These tours, including visits to Alberta landmarks, have sparked discomfort among some members, leading to a push for stricter regulations. The standing committee is expected to make announcements on potential reforms in the near future.
