Limo definition in question as Philpott tries to fend off luxury car controversy
OTTAWA — Health Minister Jane Philpott says she will repay taxpayers just over $3,700 after it was revealed her office paid thousands to a luxury vehicle service owned by a Liberal supporter, but her office still insists she never used a limousine.
“The minister did not and has not used a limousine,” said Philpott’s press secretary Andrew MacKendrick in a statement late Thursday.
The definition of a limo will matter as the minister attempts to contain the controversy around the “excessive costs” related to her work travel billed to Executive Sedan Livery Service Inc. — a company owned by a supporter who canvassed for Philpott in the last federal election.
Philpott’s department previously told Parliament, in response to an April order paper question from Conservative MP Dan Albas, the minister did not use the high-end vehicles.