TORONTO — Ontario Opposition Leader Tim Hudak has removed Peter Shurman as the Progressive Conservative’s (PC) finance critic, over a $20,719 housing allowance.

Shurman, a former talk radio host who represents the suburban Thornhill riding, lives in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Members of Provincial Parliament living outside a 50-kilometre radius of Queen’s Park are entitled to a housing allowance for residences they occupy while working at the legislature.

Hudak said in a statement Sunday night that although the allowance did not violate regulations, it could become a distraction at a time the when PCs are promoting a message of respect for taxpayer dollars.