The chief of ethics for Public Works has billed taxpayers for a $19,000 plasma TV and almost $60,000 worth of computers and software since 1999, Sun Media has learned. According to documents obtained under the Access to Information Act, Norman Steinberg, director general of audits and ethics at Public Works, bought a state-of-the-art entertainment system for $22,181 in 2002. That includes a Pioneer gas Plasma TV, a Yamaha amplifier, speakers, a DVD player and a VCR. TAXPAYERS FOOT BILL And to enhance the enjoyment of the 50-inch TV mounted on the wall in Steinberg's office, eight chairs and a two-seater sofa were bought for $6,400, according to invoices. Documents also show Steinberg has replaced both his office computer and his laptop three times since 1999. He favours the Sony VAIO Picture Book, a stylish $3,200 laptop. Taxpayers foot the bill for Steinberg to have a government computer and fax machine at his home for work. Invoices show that since 1999 Steinberg ordered almost a dozen software and hardware upgrades for his computers and his Blackberries. He also bought a Palm Agenda and two Blackberries during the same period. In an interview with Sun Media, Steinberg defended his purchases, and called the plasma TV a valuable tool for training his staff. Steinberg said about once a month some staff gather in his office to view a webcast. "We're at a point where it's cheaper for us to do web-based training," Steinberg said, pointing out that it would cost more to send his staff out of Ottawa for training. "We were told that in terms of the technology, in terms of what we're trying to achieve, it's more cost effective. We're sure it was the best cost available at the time." Steinberg said he flicks the TV on to watch House of Commons debates and the news. As for a $356 briefcase Steinberg signed off on: "That briefcase was bought for people who travel and needed a secure briefcase with wheels and handles," he said. "I've never seen it." Conservative MP Gerald Keddy scoffed at the purchase of multiple computers and the plasma TV, calling it "absolutely scandalous." "Everyone is responsible to the public purse here," Keddy said. "It sounds as if when this guy has a whim, it's instant gratification. He should be ashamed." Winnipeg Centre NDP MP Pat Martin said the purchases will "incur the wrath" of MPs when they return to the Commons Feb. 2. "The Canadian public is absolutely fed up with this sense of entitlement at these guys," Martin said. "There's zero tolerance in Ottawa for this kind of expense." | 
