Hmmm between Lobbyists and freebies from other country's politics is a great life

Taiwan, Saudi Arabia top destinations for junkets by MPs

Saudi Arabia rivalled Taiwan as the most generous sponsor of free trips for Canada’s MPs last year, according to the sponsored travel report for 2015 compiled by Ethics Commissioner Mary Dawson’s office.

Overall, MPs accepted a lot fewer free trips in 2015 than they usually do. Together, 24 MPs racked up a tab of only $139,580, compared with $442,524 in 2014 and $541,874.

According to the report tabled in the House of Commons, Taiwan was the top destination, with five MPs racking up $43,409 worth of free travel sponsored by the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association or the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Canada.

Taiwan has long used the lure of free trips to attract the attention of MPs and promote direct ties between Canadian political leaders and Taiwan.

Among the MPs who accepted free trips to Taiwan in 2015 were Conservative MPs John Barlow ($9,014) and David Yurdiga ($8,821), former Conservative MP Nina Grewal ($8,992), as well as former New Democrat MPs Ryan Cleary ($10,529) and Annick Papillon ($6,052).

But while Taiwan’s usual rival when it comes to the top destination for free travel is Israel, last year it was the Saudi Arabian government that came in second place, spending $28,695 to send three Conservative MPs and one of their guests to Riyadh to “discuss political, economic and trade ties between Canada and Saudi Arabia.”

The Saudi Arabian government has been in the spotlight in recent months over a controversial $15 billion deal to purchase armoured vehicles built in Canada. Critics of the deal point to the Saudi government’s human rights record, warning that the vehicles could be used to brutally suppress dissent.

Former Conservative MP Leon Benoit’s $14,133 trip to Riyadh was the most expensive travel accepted by any MP. Former Conservative MP Russ Hiebert, who brought staffer Peter Stock along as a guest, declared $9,874 for the trip. Conservative MP Blaine Calkins listed the value of the trip as $4,687.

http://ipolitics.ca/2016/03/24/taiwan-saudi-arabia-top-destinations-for-free-trips-by-mps/