NDP wants limit on PM’s use of government jets

Prime Minister Stephen Harper is facing pressure to curb the use of government jets to fly Conservative Party officials or his friends.

The New Democrats tabled a motion on Tuesday on limiting the use of Ottawa's Challenger jets to government business after news reports that a Conservative fundraiser also travelled with the Prime Minister in recent years.

MPs will be asked to vote on a motion saying the "the plane used by the Prime Minister should only be used for government purposes and should not be used to transport anyone other than those associated with such purposes, or those required for the safety and security of the Prime Minister and his family."

NDP ethics critic Charlie Angus said the Prime Minister should be bound by the same rules that govern MP's rental of charter aircraft.

"There is no good reason why Conservative Party officials are flying around on these planes and not even paying the full costs. The planes are exclusively for government business or to transport the Prime Minister and his family," Mr. Angus said. "The Conservatives are taking advantage of government resources for party benefit and we need to establish clear rules to stop this."