The reputation of journalists is low in the best of times. Now, thanks to senators Pamela Wallin and Mike Duffy, our lot in life has sunk even lower.
I suppose I could distance myself from them by calling them former journalists, but, regardless, they still cast a dark shadow over my profession.
They are being scrutinized by independent auditors for different reasons related to senatorial expenses. Duffy claimed living expenses for a cottage he owns in Prince Edward Island. This while his principal residence is in Ottawa. Duffy has since said he will repay the money in question while at the same time claiming his innocence.
Former University of Guelph chancellor Wallin is being probed for her travel expenses from Ottawa to Saskatchewan, the province she represents in the Red Chamber. Her principal residence is in Toronto.
Notes the CBC, “Wallin is entitled to claim for trips to and from Saskatchewan, but not for trips to Toronto and back unless she has Senate-related business in the city.” Wallin, too, says she has done nothing wrong.
Both Duffy and Wallin were once renowned national journalists. They were major players in the Fifth Estate and part of the thrust and parry between media and politicians. That was their job. Scrutinize and question government actions and inactions.
I haven’t the time nor resources but I am confident that both Duffy and Wallin – as journalists – tsk-tsked and rolled their eyes over their years in television at greedy politicians chowing down at the public trough.
Now that they have partisan positions in the Senate, they appear to have ditched their keen journalistic senses and replaced then with a sense of entitlement.
Most disappointing. Instead of making headlines about Senate reform and other issues of the day, they make headlines showing themselves to be just like the politicians they used to highlight.
It’s rather ironic that politicians and journalists are forever in lists of least trusted professions. Duffy and Wallin, unfortunately, have appeared to reinforce the same – on both fronts. A double-whammy.
For the record, here and now, I solemnly pledge that when I am appointed as an (independent) member of the Senate I will not fudge my living or travel expenses. In fact, when appointed I will be more than satisfied with my annual stipend of $132,300. Nor will I gripe that this income ceases to be when I’m forced to retire at age 75. Somebody has to be true to what were once two noble and honourable professions.