James Lunney - Controversies

Controversies

On June 29, 2010 Lunney called upon Health Canada to tighten controls on “over-prescribed” proton pump inhibitors which suppress stomach acids but have been shown to increase the likelihood of Clostridium difficile - an intestinal disease with flu like symptoms. Lunney said "It has proven difficult to eradicate but much of its spread and related death toll could be prevented, if patients were made aware of the risks when doctors prescribe PPI medication"

In April 2009, Lunney made a statement in Parliament proclaiming his belief in creationism and attacking theory of evolution.

In May 2010, it was documented in the Times Colonist that: "Lunney spent $169,935 just on travelling between Nanaimo-Alberni and Ottawa in the one-year.

He said it's a long trip but he comes back to the riding "every chance I get" to attend events and meet with his constituents to discuss their concerns.

Lunney said he regularly flies business class because he works en route and he needs the extra space to allow him to work on sometimes confidential material on his laptop computer.

"I sometimes also encourage my wife to come along on these trips because I wouldn't have much of a chance to see her if she didn't, but it's allowed according to the rules on spending and she travels in economy class," he said." This caused controversy due to the on-going debate regarding MP expenses.

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