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.

By: Lee Harding
Posted: April 26, 2010
Topic: Federal

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