Ontario Liberal MP Arielle Kayabaga is under fire for a significant spending spree that totaled $173,574 during her brief nine-day tenure as House Leader. Kayabaga, who represents London West, held the position from March 14 until the election call on March 23. She was one of 11 ministers removed from Prime Minister Mark Carney’s short-lived cabinet.

During her time as House Leader, Kayabaga reportedly spent $157,028 on personnel costs, according to Public Accounts. This billing period included March 21, just two days before the election, when she publicly sought campaign volunteers.

Kayabaga has not clarified whether any of her paid staff worked on her political campaign while being funded by taxpayers, which could violate Treasury Board rules. A spokesperson indicated that the majority of the expenses were related to vacation pay for her staff. "She kept the existing staff that were in place prior to her arrival," said Mark Kennedy, spokesperson for the Government House Leader. "Ms. Kayabaga did not hire any additional staff."

Earlier this week, Kayabaga reiterated Kennedy's statement in a letter and has not engaged with reporters since. "For any further questions, please contact the Office of the Government House Leader," she wrote.

Conservative MP Kelly Block, representing Carlton Trail-Eagle Creek in Saskatchewan, expressed her shock at the spending. "Canadians deserve an explanation," Block stated on social media. Another commenter noted the high spending, linking it to Kayabaga's previous claims about difficulties in purchasing a home.

Records indicate that during her time as House Leader, Kayabaga attended only one cabinet meeting before returning to her home riding, as Parliament was prorogued with no House business taking place. In a social media post, she encouraged constituents to volunteer for her campaign, stating, "I want to keep fighting for London West and I want to do it with you."

Treasury Board guidelines prohibit the use of public funds for partisan activities. The guidelines specify that resources cannot be used for political purposes, especially during an election period. "Ministers of state and exempt staff are obliged to ensure resources of the department and portfolio – financial, material, and human resources – are not used for partisan purposes," the guidelines state.

After her swearing-in, Kayabaga expressed uncertainty about her new role, stating, "I am new in my role so I am excited to learn more and also to collaborate." When questioned about the necessity of a House Leader during a prorogued Parliament, she acknowledged the importance of the position for democracy. Kayabaga emphasized the need for unity among parties in the House of Commons, stating, "Team Canada is not just for the Liberal Party. It’s for every single party in the House of Commons."