Press Secretary: MP Bev Oda smoked in office, charged Canadians

Ottawa - Although she is set to step down at the end of this month, it seems Canadian Member of Parliament Bev Oda can't step away from the scandal spotlight. It was reported that Oda allegedly smoked in her office and expensed an air purifier to taxpayers.

Earlier this week, Bev Oda’s staff denied that she smoked cigarettes in her office and charged the nation’s taxpayers for two air purifiers to cover it up, which cost $50 each. Justin Broekema, a press secretary for Oda since 2009, confirmed to QMI Agency that the story is indeed factual. “It has come to my attention that yes, after your story, Bev Oda has been smoking in her office,” said Broekema. “I understand that these have been expensed. To my knowledge, she has never paid any fees.” Broekema noted that no one has ever filed a complaint against her habit and she has not been reprimanded for breaking the law. Last week, Oda announced in a written statement that she was resigning as Minister of International Cooperation and as a Member of Parliament. Conservative MP and former Police Chief Julian Fantino will take over the reins as International Cooperation Minister. She has remained silent ever since the announcement. Oda has captured the headlines since 2006 when she was named to the cabinet. In 2006, Oda accumulated more than $5,000 in limousine expenses and later reimbursed taxpayers $2,200. In 2008, she was accused of hiding more than $17,000 in limo expenses. Earlier this year, she was heavily criticized for opting to stay at a more expensive hotel in central London and charging taxpayers $16 for a glass of orange juice. Oda will officially exit from the House of Commons on July 31. Related Stories: Op-Ed: Will anything change in Canada's foreign assistance ministry? Canadian MP Julian Fantino replaces Bev Oda in Tory cabinet Canadian Conservative Minister Bev Oda stepping down July 31 Op-Ed: Canadian Minister Bev Oda opts for the high life