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Hamilton owes an apology

Mr. Hamilton's unfair attack on North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice demonstrates a clear lack of understanding.

Editor:

Re: Move over Pamela, here comes Jennifer, Aug. 21, 2013

Mr. Hamilton's unfair attack on North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice demonstrates a clear lack of understanding of the cost involved in serving constituents in rural and remote communities and the circumstances Ms. Rice faced this July.

As a new MLA sworn in just a couple of weeks before the rare summer session, Ms. Rice found herself going to Victoria for a month with no time to consider any options other than representing the people of North Coast. My guess is the circumstance was exactly the same for all the new Liberal members, but we don't know that as they have not released their expenses.

Anyone who flies to Victoria from anywhere on the North Coast knows it is more expensive then getting to Toronto from Vancouver.  Ms. Rice made the return trip every week for a month so she could work in her constituency on weekends.

While Ms. Rice's expenses were higher than her Northern colleagues' bills, as a new MLA she had to stay in hotels as, unlike them, she didn't have access to previously arranged housing. It takes time to find housing in the capital, and time was in short supply during the hastily called summer session.

Finally, Mr. Hamilton comparing Ms. Rice to Senator Pamela Wallin is comparing a hard working elected official with legitimate expenses to an unelected senator under investigation for fraudulent behaviour. His comments are irresponsible and I would hope after reconsideration Mr. Hamilton will apologize to Jennifer Rice for his over-the-top rhetoric.

Jennifer Rice is a smart, hard-working young MLA who is committed to the representing the people of the North Coast. I fully expect her to do an outstanding job for many years to come and the communities who elected her in 2013 will continue to get great value from her service.

Shane Simpson,

Chair, New Democrat caucus