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OTTAWA — Three former Conservative senators at the heart of a spending scandal were given clear directions from their leader in the upper chamber that they could bill for certain partisan — that is, political — travel when they first arrived in the Senate.

The directions were given during a two-day “boot camp” for new Tory senators that outlined expense-claim dos and don’ts, expectations for senators, and a warning to be careful with how they spent Senate money.

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tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Wallin and Duffy told by Tory Senate leader in 2008 they could bill for some partisan travel Back to video

[np_storybar title=”Mounties formally asked to examine Wallin’s expenses, RCMP confirms” link=””]The Mounties have now formally been asked by the Senate to look into Sen. Pamela Wallin’s expenses. RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Sherley Goodgie says the force received the request on Aug. 14. It’s now up to the RCMP to decide whether to open a probe into Wallin’s travel claims. The Senate turned to the Mounties after an outside audit flagged a number of inappropriate travel claims spanning nearly all of Wallin’s career as a senator, which began late in 2008. The auditors flagged $121,348 in inappropriate expenses and called for further review of nearly $21,000 in additional claims. Wallin has already repaid $38,000, and has said she would reimburse any disallowed expenses — with interest — out of her own pocket.—Canadian Press [/np_storybar]