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The flyers contained QR codes, which are printed stamps that, when scanned by a mobile device, redirect to a website. In the case of the flyers in question, the QR codes sent readers to two websites registered to the Conservative Resource Group, which is the Commons-funded research bureau for the Conservative caucus, rather than an MP’s personal website as the rules require.

“We use parliamentary resources to create a document by parliamentary staff that was vetted by the House of Commons that directed to a parliamentary address. So I think it’s very different than what the NDP did,” said Transport Minister Lisa Raitt, one of the 10 MPs on the list.

“It’s an attempt, quite frankly, of the NDP to distract from the real issue, which is what they did was completely different. They went offsite. They used offsite staff. They did things to get around the (board), to get around the House of Commons, and we did not.”

House of Commons rules aren’t specific on the use of QR codes.

“Although the policy is silent on the use of QR codes, the spirit and intent of the Board’s policies limiting references to designated Web sites only would apply regardless of the means (QR code or Web address),” the report says. “The Board may wish to clarify that the use of QR codes is permitted under the same conditions as the current Web site policy.”

In all, the mailings from the 10 Conservative MPs cost the Commons less than $25,000.

However, they could be on the hook for more. If the board uses the same formula it used to calculate how much the NDP owed for its mailings, the 10 Conservative MPs would have to repay Canada Post almost $509,000.

jpress@ottawacitizen.com

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