John Rafferty says taking privately sponsored trips around the world helps make him a better parliamentarian. And it doesn’t cost taxpayers any money.
The federal NDP member for Thunder Bay – Atikokan paid a visit to Israel last year in July,a trip that was covered by the Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs. Rafferty racked up a $4,100 transportation bill and about $2,000 for accommodations.
The political news website iPolitics compiled a list of 65 MPs who accepted trips sponsored by foreign governments, organizations or corporations.
Rafferty came in the top 20 at no. 12 for having the most expensive total of $10,161.68.
The sponsors also covers the cost for MPs spouse or partner.
Rafferty said MPs are usually offered free trips to Israel and Taiwan in order to hear the challenges facing those countries.
“I hadn’t been to the Middle East and I wanted to get a handle on Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s 100 per cent support for Israel,” he said. “It helps me do my job better. It gave me a better understanding of the Middle East.”
Although he visited Taiwan, he added he didn’t have plans to visit any other country.
MP Bruce Hyer (Ind. Thunder Bay – Superior North) came in near the end with a total of $4,100 when he visited Guatemala. Goldcorp paid for that trip.
But Tory MPs took the top three spots.
Bernard Trottier took first with $19,400 followed by Dean Allison at $15,600 and Kevin Sorenson at $15,300.
