Mulcair doubtful NDP MPs will see wage garnishments this month over satellite offices

Official Opposition Leader Thomas Mulcair is doubtful that the NDP MPs ordered to repay nearly $3 million for the use of so-called satellite offices will start to see their wages garnisheed at the end of the month.

Earlier this month, CTV News reported that 68 NDP MPs, including Mulcair, would have until March 31 to pay back a total of $2.75 million owed for the use of satellite offices in Montreal and Quebec City.

Speaking to CTV's Question Period, Mulcair said it would be "very surprising" if the Board of Internal Economy (BOIE), which ordered the repayments, actually started garnishing the wages March 31. 

"Of course, that's not going to happen because we are in court," said Mulcair. "We'll deal with it if and when that does occur. But frankly there's never been any mention of that whatsoever."

The NDP has taken its fight with the secretive, multi-party BOIE to the Federal Court, asking it to advise whether the rulings are subject to judicial review. 

Mulcair said that it would be "quite something" if the BOIE followed through with the wage-garnishing while the case was before the courts during an election year.

Mulcair said the BOIE's decision was unfair and the result of the Conservatives and Liberals attacking the NDP. 

"They never looked for our point of view. They didn't hear both sides of this," said Mulcair. "Those are called the rules of natural justice. All this is is a Liberal and Conservative kangaroo court trying to hobble the NDP during an election year."

In February, the BOIE found that 68 NDP MPs broke the rules by using their House of Commons office budgets to pay staff working in so-called satellite offices outside of Ottawa.

Some NDP MPs owe around $1,000, while others face six-figure bills. For instance, Montreal MPs Alexandre Boulerice and Isabelle Morin will be asked to repay $120,000 and $170,000 respectively, while Mulcair and party whip Nycole Turmel owe more than $600,000 combined.

While it is not clear exactly how the repayments will be handled if the NDP MPs don't make them by March 31, BOIE bylaws say the board has the authority to request reimbursement from MPs. Section 20 says that after 90 days or more of owing, the House can take "additional means" to collect funds, while Section 21 allows the board to bring a civil action in court.