Councillors in Hanover debated last week whether to change their policy concerning travel expenses. They questioned how much of a perk it should be for spouses who accompany them to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities conference. This three day event is held once a year and usually outside of Manitoba.

Prior to now, the municipality has reimbursed the spouse for airfare, registration for companion events, the gala dinner registration and all meals for the duration of the conference. But councillors debated whether or not they should change their policy, requiring their spouse to start paying for meals.

Hanover Reeve Stan Toews says he personally does not care, one way or the other, if a spouse is reimbursed for meals. He notes the conference is only three days long and it probably only works out to about $70 dollars per day for food.

"Council's decision was to leave it status quo," says Toews. "So the meals get covered like the councillors' meals."

Next year's FCM annual conference will be held in Toronto. Each year, Hanover allows its Reeve and up to three other councillors to attend.

Under Hanover's policy, the FCM conference is the only one where companions are reimbursed.