Gov. Gen. Adrienne Clarkson has thumbed her nose at taxpayers by refusing to release details of her 10 trips to New York City over the past two years, critics say. Attempts yesterday to obtain further details about the trips -- which Clarkson's spokesman said was a mix of business and pleasure -- were refused, igniting a firestorm of criticism from opposition MPs. Sun Media reported yesterday National Defence logs show Clarkson and husband John Ralston Saul flew to New York on the government Challenger jet four times in 2002 and in 2003, and twice this year. The tab for the flights totalled $48,564. Of the 10 trips, one was for a cultural event and another was for a dinner at Consul General Pamela Wallin's residence, her office said. There are numerous listings of the GG's activities over the last two years, including travel. But there is no mention of any events in New York. Winnipeg NDP MP Pat Martin said a Commons committee was given assurances by Clarkson's staff earlier this year there would be more transparency regarding travel spending. At that time, the GG was taking heat for a $5.3-million circumpolar trip on which she hosted 59 elite guests. "It makes my blood boil that there's cavalier spending going on at Rideau Hall after all we've been through and I'd want to see a lot more detail and justification for those trips," Martin said. Conservative MP Paul Forseth said Canadians deserve to know the details of her business trips. "This is not her money. There is a difference between corporate world and public service. The issue is transparency," said Forseth. | 
