Stephen McNeil offers conditional support to abolishing Senate

The federalNDP leadershouldn't count on Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil's support to abolish the senate, unless Nova Scotia receives additional support in the House of Commons.

Tom Mulcairis seeking provincial supportas he eyesabolishing the Senate. On Wednesday he vowedto watch the Upper Chamber, the subject of an auditor general report this week that detailednearly $1 million in questionable expenses claimed by current and former senators.

• Interactive: Who owes what in the Senate

Last year, theSupreme Court of Canada ruled that would require the consent of all 10 provinces.

That's not something McNeil is prepared to do.

"Youcan't just outright abolish the Senate and not look at what are you goingdo for smaller provinces to ensure that we get a larger voice," he said.

McNeil says Nova Scotia's power in the Senate is not something that should be relinquished without some sort of offsetting measure despite the anger over the expenses of some senators.