P.M.'s chief of staff resigns

Amid a senate expense scandal, Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s chief of staff has resigned.

The now ex-chief of staff, Nigel Wright, resigned Sunday after it was discovered that he wrote a 90 thousand dollar cheque for Senator Mike Duffy to repay improperly claimed housing expenses.

According to the CBC, Liberal MP Bob Rae told the media that Senator Duffy’s audit had been shortened because of the 90 thousand dollar payment he was able to make, thanks to Wright.

Wright said in his statement that he accepts sole responsibility, and did not advise the PM of the means of Senator Duffy’s repayment before or after the fact, and that his actions were only to secure the repayment of funds. 

He added that he regrets the impact that his actions have had on the government and his colleagues. 

In his own statement, Harper said he regrettably accepted Wrights resignation and accepts that Wright believed that he was acting in public interest. He then thanked Wright for his contribution to the government for the past 2 and a half years. 

Harper’s principal secretary, Ray Novak, will take over as chief of staff.

Flickr Photo by: Jezz

STORY WRITTEN BY: CATLIN SPENCER