Health Minister Jane Philpott to repay $520 for Air Canada lounge access
Aug 23, 2016, 5:08 am
#31
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Not for rush hour Rapidair flights. They're pretty SE heavy and SE upgrades get done first. I have a colleague who's only E50K and not once this year has he been able to get an upgrade to clear on a rush hour Rapidair flight.
Aug 23, 2016, 5:13 am
#32
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: YVR
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If your colleague is getting this result using a Latitude FP, he's doing it wrong.
Aug 23, 2016, 5:29 am
#33
Join Date: Jan 2009
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I think the issue with the attention is that it violates TB travel policy (probably not a Minister's expense allowance though) and comes on the heels of her retaining a friend to drive her around Toronto at triple the going rate for luxury vehicles. This kind of stuff just draws the wrong attention, so why do it is my question.
I'd be shocked if she isn't SE or at least E50 by now. While folks have said her riding is Toronto, so perhaps she flies PD to Ottawa, even still her work would have taken her on at least enough trips since January to qualify. I suspect the lounge access was purchased late last year or early this year to carry her through.
I'd be shocked if she isn't SE or at least E50 by now. While folks have said her riding is Toronto, so perhaps she flies PD to Ottawa, even still her work would have taken her on at least enough trips since January to qualify. I suspect the lounge access was purchased late last year or early this year to carry her through.
Aug 23, 2016, 5:33 am
#34
Join Date: Jan 2016
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I'm surprised she wouldn't just get an AMEX plat card and use the PP/Amex lounges. They are pretty good for Canada IMO, and it is actually cheaper.
(Or one of the other cards with lounge access)
I am not outraged. The cost is probably nothing compared to what MPs spend on J in a year for travel.
(Or one of the other cards with lounge access)
I am not outraged. The cost is probably nothing compared to what MPs spend on J in a year for travel.
Aug 23, 2016, 5:34 am
#35
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$520 is not exactly Mike Duffy territory! Plus, as has been pointed out, it probably saves taxpayers money compared to expensing airport food purchases over a year.
Aug 23, 2016, 5:37 am
#36
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Posts: 298
I would say that all travelling ministers should get lounge access one way or the other - if they don't get it via status or their own card, then expense it. Not a big deal.
Last edited by bluenose77; Aug 23, 2016 at 5:37 am Reason: fat fingers
Aug 23, 2016, 5:51 am
#37
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The more concerning issue is that governments clearly still don't have a clearly stated travel policy and don't use Concur or something like it to enforce the policy. Totally mind boggling given the amount of money that Parliament, Senate, and provincial governments spend.
Aug 23, 2016, 5:56 am
#38
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Aug 23, 2016, 8:27 am
#40
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However if they gave up some of their gold plated pensions they can have all the lounge access they want
Aug 23, 2016, 9:49 am
#43
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Quebec and Ontario, Canada
Programs: AC*E50, SPG/Marriott Plat
Posts: 1,918
I am fine to pay (via my taxes) lounge access to a minister. But why are they not asking on FT which is the best deal 
... Seems very expensive to pay 520$ for lounge access when you can get Aeroplan Amex Plat for 499$ which includes MLL access and some others benefits...
... Seems very expensive to pay 520$ for lounge access when you can get Aeroplan Amex Plat for 499$ which includes MLL access and some others benefits...
Aug 23, 2016, 10:01 am
#44
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Yes indeed it is. But then politics has sadly descended to the point where political parties win and lose elections on petty points rather than from honestly debating the big issues.
Umm, no it is not - other than as a result of gaining status with an airline. I would venture that very few companies in Canada provide the benefit of paid lounge membership.
Umm, no it is not - other than as a result of gaining status with an airline. I would venture that very few companies in Canada provide the benefit of paid lounge membership.
Aug 23, 2016, 10:09 am
#45
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Vancouver, BC
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I think it's reasonable that the Minister of a large portfolio be able to work in relative quiet while travelling on government business, so I'm ok with the expense. Unlike the rest of the travelling public, I doubt the Minister is going there for food (it's already covered by taxpayers when she travels) or would she drink and risk people seeing her drunk.
I don't know how'd I feel about the Minister jockeying for recharging outlets near the gates.
I don't know how'd I feel about the Minister jockeying for recharging outlets near the gates.