UMVA has learned that Canada's top science adviser has racked up a staggering $400,000 in travel expenses over the past nine years, sparking questions about the use of taxpayer dollars.
Dr. Mona Nemer, who was appointed to the role by former prime minister Justin Trudeau, has reportedly billed taxpayers for 12 business-class flights to Paris alone, including one eye-watering trip that cost $10,433.23.
In the first two months of her hiring in 2017, Nemer's travel expenses totaled $18,966, with trips to Montreal, Toronto, Victoria, Winnipeg, and Washington, D.C. Her annual salary for the role is $393,000.
When questioned about her travel expenses before a House of Commons science and research committee, Nemer defended her actions, stating that her travel is "consistent with that of my counterparts" and that it is a necessary part of her job.
Conservative MP Jagsharan Singh Mahal grilled Nemer about a recent $8,000 trip to Paris, questioning whether she had flown business class. Nemer's response was flippant, saying she couldn't recall the details of the trip.
Mahal pressed Nemer for answers, suggesting that the cost of the trip would not have been over $8,000 if she had flown economy class. Nemer remained tight-lipped, leaving the committee chair and Liberal MP Salma Zahid to intervene.
Mahal then asked Nemer whether she believed spending $8,000 on the trip to Paris was a good use of taxpayer dollars. Nemer dodged the question, saying she couldn't answer with a simple "yes" or "no".
The line of questioning continued, with Mahal pointing out that Nemer had made over 20 trips to Europe and asking whether she believed it justified billing taxpayers for business-class flights. Nemer responded by saying that government travel is an easy target for critics.
Nemer maintained that travel was part of her job description, and that she was required to be willing to travel as a candidate for the role.
