Politicians are about to relax restrictions on material which they send to constituents through mailings and advertising. That includes allowing them to expense Christmas cards. The privilege was revoked a few years ago, although MHA’s could still send greetings through other mailings such as newsletters and householders.

The House of Assembly Management Commission met this morning to review the restrictions with all hands agreeing that change is due.

Each MHA gets about $12,000 for things such as birthday cards, newsletters and advertising in event publications such as a minor hockey tournament booklet.

Conception Bay South MHA Barry Petten doesn’t agree with disallowing MHAs to be reimbursed for Christmas card expenses, and he doesn’t understand why he is not permitted to use words such as “congratulations” in event booklet advertising.

Having to be careful with your words around a crowd of children playing hockey at Easter and not being able to congratulate them on behalf of the district makes no sense, he told the commission.

A new set of rules is being drafted by staff.