Dear editor,

I refer to Mike Grinsell鈥檚 letter regarding my questioning of MP Kelly Block鈥檚 motion to reduce the Governor General鈥檚 budget during a meeting of the Standing Committee on Government Operations of which we are both members.

(Gord Johns should not have questioned Governor General鈥檚 proposed budget amendment, July 5)

Our committee鈥檚 ongoing study of the Governor General鈥檚 travel and catering expenses has revealed questionable spending. As an MP who has always been very careful about my travel and work expenses, I have submitted several recommendations to significantly reduce the Governor General鈥檚 spending.

There was no vote on MP Block鈥檚 motion to reduce the Governor General鈥檚 budget by $136,986.31, but I did ask questions about it. I asked MP Block what reason or calculation was behind this very specific number, but no explanation was given. I also asked why the former Conservative government doubled Governor General David Johnston鈥檚 salary from $137,939 in 2012 to $270,602 in 2013. Again, we got no answer.

Getting the full information is the responsibility of MPs from all parties. We need to carefully consider the impact of any decision we make in committee.

The problem with this motion is that it doesn鈥檛 solve the problem.

There are no requirements for which spending would be reduced. The Governor General鈥檚 office could simply cut a few staff members and keep spending $100,000 on meal service.

That鈥檚 why I will continue pushing for us to conclude our study of the Governor General鈥檚 expenses, so we can finally report our cost-cutting recommendations to the House of Commons.

I know that my actions in Ottawa have consequences. I won鈥檛 risk a public servant鈥檚 job to make a point.

Gord Johns,

Member of Parliament for Courtenay-Alberni