OTTAWA—As Canada’s international aid department sought to curb smoking in Brazil, the federal minister in charge of the file was puffing away in her Ottawa office.

Bev Oda even purchased an air purifier at taxpayers’ expenses in a bid to cleanse the air of her office smoking habits.

The story was first revealed by QMI Agency this week. It cited sources who complained about the smell of smoke seeping from Oda’s office at the Canadian International Development Agency.

However, in that story, Justin Broekema, spokesperson for the Minister of International Co-operation, rejected the allegations.

But on Tuesday, he confirmed Oda’s habit of puffing on the job.

“Since that story I learned that a $50 Walmart air purifier was purchased for the office and that the former minister smoked in her office,” he told the Star in an email.

Oda’s controversial tenure at the helm of the department ended in early July when she announced she would be leaving her portfolio and quitting politiccs at the end of the month.

She was replaced in cabinet the following day when Toronto-area MP Julian Fantino was sworn in as Minister of International Co-operation.

The allegation is just another blight for a former minister who leaves behind a legacy of pricey limo rides, a $16 glass orange juice and a costly upgrade to a luxury hotel in London. After a hue-and-cry over that bill, Oda agreed to reimburse taxpayers.

She had been in charge of the Canadian International Development Agency since 2007. Among the aid programs she oversaw was an effort to help curb tobacco use in Brazil.

The program provided $829,715 to “decrease the health and economic inequities related to tobacco use and production.”

“Project activities increase awareness and knowledge the harmful effects of tobacco use,” the program description read.

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By the time the program wrapped up in 2010, CIDA officials declared it a success.

“The project has successfully laid the groundwork necessary to effectively reduce death and ill health due to tobacco use in Brazil,” they said.

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