The 'common practice' of shared parliamentary email accounts

What was perhaps lost in all the talk of shady characters and "busty hookers" in the Toronto Star's story about Rahim Jaffer today, was also news that Jaffer had some sort of access to a parliamentary email.

Well, as it turns out, that's because his wife, Helena Guergis, also the minister for the status of women, gave him one.

Guergis' office says that MPs are allowed to give four wireless devices -- presumably Blackberries -- to hand out as they wish; to employees etc.

Her office also says it is common practice for MPs to give one to spouses, as was the case here with Jaffer.

In fact, after some digging and some helpful friends: what may be "common practice" -- according to Guergis' office -- may also not be allowed.

The Board of Internal Economy which governs such matters states the following:

Wireless Devices: Members are provided with up to four (4) wireless devices, including three (3) voice plans, one (1) data plan, applicable monthly fees, air time, long-distance charges, and features such as voice mail, access fees and 911 services. Eligible devices include cell phones, pagers and Personal Digital Assistants (PDA) and must be procured by Telecommunications Services. House Officers may request a reasonable number of wireless devices. But it also clearly says that, "The Board of Internal Economy provides Members and House Officers with entitlements, allowances and services to support their parliamentary functions."

It's that last bit that may limit just what those wireless devices are for: is a spouse really there to "support parliamentary functions"? Perhaps, but that would be a rather broad interpretation of the rules.

Taxpayers money being used to keep spouses in contact? This warrants further investigation about whether Guergis is alone in this practice or whether it is more widespread -- as well as how MPs explain it.