The Senate has implemented stricter regulations for language immersion trips in response to an investigation by Radio-Canada regarding a Quebec senator’s English classes in Vancouver costing taxpayers close to $22,000. Moving forward, spouses will no longer be reimbursed for language classes, and travel expenses for accompanying spouses will not be covered by the Senate. Senators can still participate in language training but are encouraged to choose options in Ottawa or their home province when feasible. Requests for language training must now be pre-approved by the Senate’s human resources department. These new rules were approved by the Senate’s standing committee on internal economy, budgets, and administration (CIBA). The changes come after revelations that Sen. Amina Gerba had undertaken English classes in Vancouver with her husband, incurring over $3,000 for training and nearly $19,000 for travel expenses. Despite defending the expenditure as common practice among senators, the senator’s actions prompted a review of language study trips. Sen. Éric Forest, a CIBA member, expressed satisfaction with the decision, emphasizing the importance of adherence to regulations. The committee will also review guidelines for regional familiarization trips, following concerns raised about tours in Alberta that included activities like the Calgary Stampede and Lake Louise. Feedback from senators indicates a preference for stricter regulations regarding such trips.
