Robinson had good reason for trip

By Dan Hilborn
Published July 24, 2004


The new member of Parliament in Burnaby-Douglas said he knows nothing about the arrangements made when his predecessor, Svend Robinson, was sent to a conference in Edinburgh, Scotland on taxpayer expense earlier this month.

"I haven't seen much of the story myself," Bill Siksay said Friday, July 16, after Global News reported that Robinson was one of eight MPs and senator to attend a session of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe from July 5 to 9.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation condemned Robinson's participation at the event, saying it is unacceptable for a former MP to take free trips at taxpayers' expense when they are no longer a sitting member of Parliament.

However, Siksay said that Robinson had several good reasons for attending.

"I did know that Svend was going to Edinburgh to wrap up the work he'd done with the OSCE over many years," Siksay said. "That was one thing he needed to wind down, and a new chair was elected.

"I don't know how the trip was arranged, but I do know it was important work that he (Svend) had done over the years."

Robinson is vice-chair of the OSCE's committee on democracy, human rights and humanitarian issues. According to the National Post, Robinson could have had the OSCE pay for the trip, but instead elected to bill Canadian taxpayers.