August 31, 2004

Ottawa's culture of high-flying and big-lunching bureaucrats once again came under attack yesterday as the Canadian Alliance revealed that the head of the National Gallery has been racking up expenses of nearly $100,000 a year. But as more and more expense accounts are being opened up for public perusal, some MPs are also urging caution to ward off accusations that they are engaged in a witch hunt.

A House committee is waffling on its plans to investigate Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson's expenses, including her continuing $1-million group tour of northern countries.

"We're still looking at what we're going to do and how," said Liberal MP Reg Alcock, chairman of the government operations committee of the House.

A final decision on whether to probe the Governor-General's expenses will be made next week. Mr. Alcock said recent expense furors have already affected the lifestyle of bureaucrats, and he wants to look at broader issues.

The federal capital has been abuzz since the ouster of George Radwanski as privacy commissioner over his frequent trips and lunches, and Heritage Minister Sheila Copps's move to review the expenses of her ex-chief of staff.

Alliance MP John Williams piled it on yesterday, releasing details on $586,657.59 in expenses by National Gallery director Pierre Theberge since 1997.

Mr. Williams promised more to come as he combs through a six-foot-high pile of bureaucrats' invoices. He admitted that he doesn't make a big scene when he finds a civil servant with frugal tastes. But he said that when he stumbles on a case such as that of Mr. Theberge, it's his duty to make it public.

Over the years, according to the Alliance, Mr. Theberge exhibited a liking for European hotels and fancy restaurants. Over all, he amassed almost $300,000 in transportation costs, $150,000 in hotels and $28,000 in meals.

One lunch for 12 at the Juniper Kitchen and Wine Bar in Ottawa this year cost $750, plus a $140 tip. Mr. Theberge's guests feasted on $33-a-plate chicken, risotto and salmon, and $7.50 deserts. There were five bottles of wine, costing a total of $135.

Mr. Williams complained about Mr. Theberge's parking fees at the Chateau Laurier hotel, which is two blocks from the National Gallery in downtown Ottawa.

Mr. Williams also queried invoices for gas and car maintenance.

"There is an ethical malaise that permeates the government, and this proves it," said Mr. Williams, who frequently decries waste as chairman of the public accounts committee of the House.

Mr. Theberge was out of the office yesterday and did not respond. A gallery spokeswoman said the expenses are part of Mr. Theberge's mandate to promote Canadian artists and bring international art to this country.

NDP MP Pat Martin said this is a new era of accountability, but insisted it shouldn't stop government officials from travelling.

"I hope we don't get to the point where we're questioning every outreach initiative that the government has," he said.

Still, Mr. Martin said that parliamentarians have to keep going after the expensive habits of some civil servants.

"That line of what is acceptable and what is unacceptable is being redrawn as we speak. I don't think Canadians understood the extent of the spending that is going on," Mr. Martin said. "Lots of people don't even understand how you can spend $100 for a lunch. It's just out of their realm. . . . Your average working stiff is used to a $6.95 full-meal deal."

Ms. Clarkson said her three-week trip to Russia and Scandinavia is worth the cost. In an interview shortly after she landed in Moscow, Ms. Clarkson said the result of her efforts cannot be measured in terms of business deals and new trade agreements.