Tip to Sun: Senator bills taxpayers for Florida condo
Who knows what lies in the $92 million black hole of the Senate's annual spending? The Auditor General doesn't. And that's precisely the problem.
A tip to the Sun newspaper chain suggests that a member of the Canadian senate is billing taxpayers for a Florida condo. But, even though the informant gave exact details regarding this property, columnist Greg Weston says it's impossible to prove or disprove the claims given the shroud that covers Senate spending.
Weston's commentary won't make your day. He also explains how Senator Raymond Lavigne is facing fraud charges of $5,000, breach of trust, and obstruction of justice in relation to abuse of travel claims. Yet, Lavigne, who was kicked out of Liberal caucus in 2007 and barred from the Senate chambers, is still fetching a $132,000, plus annual travel, hospitality and office expenses that exceeded $104,000 last year.
Senators make in excess of $132,300. Those who don't live in Ottawa get an additional $20,000 for housing, plus up to $151,000 more for "office expenses." And, the travel expenses for some are up to $190,000 annually.
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Comments
Update? CTF Action?
Saw another article today on Lavigne (Nov 4, 2010) http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/TopStories/20101104/sen-spending-101104/ what is happening with this? How is it possible that we as taxpayers continue to pay a salary for individuals who provide no service, and also allow them to bill unsubstantiated travel expenses to the public purse? Is there any action or petition CTF is forming for this? It is disturbing we continue to pay this man, and report on it, while sitting idly by as if we can do nothing.
what is happening with this
what is happening with this country? These Senator's are B>S. - Aboshish the senate!!
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