MPs, senators set to cut back U.S. exchange travel, despite pressure on trade file

OTTAWA — MPs and senators are set to drastically reduce interparliamentary exchanges with the U.S. Senate and Congress, despite multi-party efforts to save a crucial trade deal with the United States.

Parliamentary funding for intergovernmental legislative exchanges has been flat for years, yet fees have been rising for participation in interparliamentary groups such as those linked to the Commonwealth and NATO.

Last Thursday Conservative Whip Chris Warkentin told a group of MPs who manage House of Commons expenses that the Canada-United States Inter-Parliamentary Group is facing a 40 per cent funding cut, while others are seeing increases.

Jeffrey LeBlanc, the House deputy clerk for procedural matters, did not confirm that number but said rising membership and conference fees are leading several groups to reduce travel.