It has been revealed that new Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been using taxpayer money to pay for nannies to watch his children. The move represents an act of hypocrisy, after Trudeau argued that wealthy families shouldn’t receive any financial assistance in offering proper care for their children.
Trudeau reportedly hired two nannies to work at his home as “special assistants”. The move was made under the Official Residences Act of Canada. Last week, the positions of the nannies were approved by Trudeau’s cabinet. The nannies will be compensated for their work since November 4, which is the day that Trudeau was sworn into office.
Meanwhile, Conservative Party members such as Lisa Raitt have called the move “hypocritical”. Raitt believes that the nannies should be funded using Trudeau’s personal salary.
During his campaign, the Liberal Trudeau attacked the policies of former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party for their approach to childcare benefits. Trudeau also criticized the practice of income-splitting tax credits.
Trudeau said during his campaign, “In these times, Mr. Harper’s top priority is to give wealthy families like his and mine $2,000. We don’t need it. And Canada can’t afford it.”
For their hard work, the nannies will be compensated anywhere between $15 and $20 per hour for their day shifts and $11 to $13 for their work during evenings. The nannies will be sure to take proper care of Trudeau’s three children.
A representative of Trudeau defended the move by saying, “Like all families of prime ministers, a small number of staff provide assistance. Given the nature of the prime minister’s responsibilities and his young family, the Trudeaus employ two household employees who, in addition to performing other duties around the house, act as secondary caregivers to the three children.”
According to Section 7.1 of the Official Residence Act, “a steward or housekeeper and such other employees” can be hired to manage the residence of the prime minister if it is considered to be necessary. The money that is used to hire these individuals comes from the public.
Additionally, Trudeau is entitled to collect about $3,400 as a part of the universal childcare benefit of Canada. However, Trudeau has said that he will donate this money to charity.
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