A Liberal MP’s spouse — and CBC staffer — was forced to repay the Canadian Government for improperly claimed CERB funds.

Blacklock’s Reporter first revealed that Liberal MP Lisa Hepfner for Hamilton Mountain, and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Youth,  made an ethics disclosure regarding the repayment.

In it, Hepfner states that her common-law spouse, and CBC cameraman, Michael Aitkins made a “Canada Emergency Response Benefit repayment to the Government of Canada.”

On top of being a CBC cameraman, Aitkins is the sole owner of two properties that he rents out, one in St. Catherines and the other Hamilton.

Hepfner told the National Post: “I didn’t realize he still owed money on it until we did the financial disclosure.” 

“The way we understood it, you might not qualify but you can apply,” she also said, adding, “The worst that can happen is you pay it back after.”

In 2020, Hepfner encouraged eligible Canadians to apply for the benefit. 

Porch Pirate George Chahal also accused of CERB fraud

In 2021, another Liberal MP — notorious porch pirate George Chahal – was accused of advising people to commit CERB fraud by Conservative MP John Brassard.

“Imagine a member of the Liberal caucus being accused of directing his constituents on how to fraudulently claim the CERB,” Brassard began, referring to Chahal, while speaking in the House of Commons.

“Asked by the host what he would do if the CRA came knocking, he said, ‘Well, I’m sending them straight to his office because it was all his idea, and everybody in Skyview did it.’ Everyone 15 years of age or older.”

“Does the Prime Minister agree that CERB fraud is a serious issue and the possibility that a member of the Liberal caucus was directing people to commit fraud requires an investigation?”