Interim Conservative Leader Rona Ambrose says that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has "worked himself into a really bad spot" after revelations that he is using two taxpayer-funded nannies to provide care for his three young children.
In an appearance on CTV's Power Play, Ambrose said that the nannies make Trudeau's attacks during the election campaign on the Conservative government's tax cuts and benefits to the Canada's wealthiest families look hypocritical.
"Well, I think he's worked himself into a really bad spot on this one because he's stood up so many times and said: 'I'm wealthy. I'm rich. I don’t need the universal child care benefit, I'll give it away to charity and wealthy families like me don’t need it.'"
"I think this is a problem of his own doing and taxpayers are offended, and he'll have to deal with it."
Other members of the Opposition have also criticized the move.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, NDP Leader Tom Mulcair said it was “surprising” to see that one of Trudeau’s first acts as prime minister was to “provide himself” with childcare on the taxpayers’ dime, after repeatedly telling voters during the election campaign that wealthy families like his didn’t need child tax benefits.
Mulcair said that the NDP will continue to push for “universal, quality, affordable child care for all Canadians” that doesn’t cost more than $15 per day.
In response to the caregiver controversy, Trudeau’s director of communications, Kate Purchase, said
that the prime minister will adjust his staff to suit his family's need.
"He will be adapting the staff complement to suit his family requirements, given that he is the proud father of three young children," she in a statement.
Purchase added that it is an ongoing process that will be finalized in the “coming days,” and the prime minister "will not expand the household staff."
Aaron Wudrick, the federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, told The Canadian Press that if there is no extra cost, taxpayers shouldn't concern themselves with the issue.
"If they're prepared to shift ... some of the other uses of the staff, to give that up in exchange for child care services so taxpayers are not out any additional money, I don't see that as a problem," Wudrick said.
The nannies, who are classified as special assistants under the Official Residences Act, are being paid $15 to $20 an hour during the day and $11 to $13 at night. Nanny associations say the wage reflects the average rate.
Former nanny speaks out
However, Trudeau’s own former nanny, who cared for him and his brother at 24 Sussex Dr., is speaking out in his defence.
Isabelle Lecointe, who cared for Trudeau and his two brothers while their father Pierre served as prime minister, said she is ‘a bit disturbed’ by the outrage over the nannies, saying the matter has been taken out of “context.”
Speaking on CTV’s News Channel on Wednesday, Lecointe said Trudeau “deserves to have employees paid by the government to take care of his family while on duty.”
Lecointe agrees that “rich” families should not receive government aid, but “as a prime minister, it’s a situation where you’re head of the country, you’re in charge of trying to make the best for the whole country and you’re on the job 24/7.”
She added that, as prime minister, Trudeau must have “that support to ensure that the children receive the care they need and they don’t suffer.”
Said Lecointe: “It’s not always easy for the young ones.”
Security issues are another consideration, she added. “You cannot afford to have just anyone because you have to pass security and you have to vow secrecy to the government,” Lecointe said.
Reflecting on her own time at 24 Sussex, Lecointe said it was a “demanding job,” but that she felt like the boys’ mother at times.
“When Pierre Trudeau had to go away, well then you’re in charge, you become the parent,” Lecointe said.
She’s also pleased to see that more than one nanny is currently caring for Trudeau’s three children.
“I was all by myself 24/7, so I know how it feels,” she said. “I’m glad now actually to see that there’s more than one person because you can’t be (there) all week and weekend.”
With files from The Canadian Press
