Health Minister Jane Philpott should repay $1,700 transportation bill, Tories say

Health Minister Jane Philpottwill stop usinga pricey limousine service owned by a Liberal supporter after Conservatives complained about a $1,700 bill for transportation in the Greater Toronto Area.

Philpottsaid in a statementWednesday the price tagwas "too high" and "inappropriate."

"I have already taken steps to prevent this from occurring in the future," she said.

While Philpott's office said the ministerwon't use the limo service again, itstopped short of saying shewould repay the money, noting the transportation was for legitimate business.

While the Tories demanded Philpott repay the $1,700, her office revealedeven higher expenses paid to the same limo service Executive Sedan Livery Service Inc. including a $1,994 bill for a caron the day the minister spoke at a July gathering of the Assembly of First Nations in Niagara Falls, Ont.

The minister also paidthe company$3,814 for 20 trips to Toronto's Pearson Airport before flying to Ottawa for ministerial business.

The limo service is owned by Reza Shirani, who was a volunteer on Philpott's election campaign last year. Philpott's office admitted the minister was aware of that connection when she used the service.

Tory health critic Colin Carrie said Philpott must immediately reimburse taxpayers.

"I think the average Canadian can connect the dots here shehas overpaid a Liberal activist three times the going rate. We are not talking the going rate," Carrie said in an interview.

"Some people would call this a kickback. She needs to pay it back. She signed off on these ... This is not a one time mistake."

Canadian Taxpayers Federation federal director Aaron Wudrick agreed.

"Clearly there is an acknowledgment that something is wrong, which is why they are not doing it anymore," he said.

"Why are they not reimbursing taxpayers if they acknowledge that it is wrong?"

Thespending reflectspoor political judgment, NDP MP Charlie Angus said.

"I think what is worrisome here is this pattern," he said.

"She becomes the minister and suddenly there is a level of Bev Oda-style entitlement."

In 2012, former International Co-operation Minister Bev Odaagreed torepay almost $3,000 she charged taxpayers forthe use of aluxury car and driver while staying at a posh hotel in London.

Philpott'suse of the costlycar service should have been flagged sooner, Angus added.

"No one is asking minister Philpott to lug it on the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) ... but spending amounts like $1,700 a day, literally helping a Liberal friend through a limousine service is not acceptable."