The Senate is tightening its rules on language immersion trips after Radio-Canada's reporting on a Quebec senator's English classes in Vancouver that cost taxpayers nearly $22,000.

From now on, spouses will not be reimbursed for taking English or French classes. And if a senator decides to bring their spouse along for the trip, travel expenses will no longer be reimbursed by the Senate.

Senators will still be able to enrol in language classes. But they will now have to favour options in the Ottawa area or in their province of residence when possible.

The Senate's human resources department will have to approve any language training requests in advance.

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