The government of Canada™s Prime Minister Stephen Harper is set to sack three senators over a growing expenses scandal.\n<\/p>\n
The Conservative government said on Thursday that it would suspend its one-time stars in the Senate, Mike Duffy, Pamela Wallin and Patrick Brazeau, without pay.\n<\/p>\n
The three, who face a criminal probe after an audit, were appointed to the upper house by Harper.\n<\/p>\n
The audit shows they filed ineligible claims to use taxpayer money for housing and travel expenses. All of them have been stripped of their political resources.\n<\/p>\n
A journalist revealed that Senator Duffy was suffering with heart problems and had been hospitalized in August.\n<\/p>\n
In a letter to the Senate speaker, Duffy said, œMy (doctor) suggests that to avoid further stress on my system, I stay off work until I get the all-clear from my medical team.”\n<\/p>\n
Senator Claude Carignan, who is the government leader in the Senate, said Duffy™s medical issues are unlikely to affect the planned suspensions.\n<\/p>\n
œFor me, it does not affect my proposition, my motion,” said Carignan. œHe will have the opportunity to speak again, to move amendments. He could explain his case Tuesday.”\n<\/p>\n
GJH\/HN\/MHB<\/p>\n