Patrick Brazeau’s staff speaking out against him, over senate expense scandal

OTTAWA, Ont. – Senator Patrick Brazeau’s own staff are now contradicting him over the senate expense scandal.

The issue surrounds Brazeau’s father’s home in Maniwaki, Quebec, which the senator claimed was his primary residence in order to receive nearly 50,000 in taxpayers dollars from a senate living allowance.

His executive assistant has told RCMP investigators that he doesn’t live in Maniwaki, and would only visit his father – who lives alone there – once or twice a month, according to a court affidavit.

Brazeau, 38, was able to claim the housing allowance because the town is more than 100 kilometres from Ottawa, and he claimed it as his primary residence. According to rules at the time, those living more than 100 kilometres away could claim housing expenses.

He also rents out a home in Gatineau, only a few kilometres away from Parliament Hill. According to The Hill Times, neighbours said he spent so much time there, they thought he worked from home.

Brazeau – along with Senator Mike Duffy – is being investigated for fraud and breach of trust. He was ordered by the senate to pay $48,000 back, but he maintained he has always followed the rules.

Police filed the affidavit in order to be able to access his bank accounts.

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