As part of fulfilling one's role as a government watchdog, it is important to occasionally check up on our elected officials whilst they're in their element, in this case, during Question Period (QP). This is the time during the legislative session when the Opposition parties have the chance to question the government on the issues that affect our lives, not to mention our pocket books.

But there is perhaps one aspect of the QP process that most Manitobans are unaware of - as part of our parliamentary tradition, government members also have the opportunity to pose questions to the government on any given issue. The government Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) for St. Norbert put forth the following question to the Minister of Conservation:

"Mr. Speaker, spring is upon us. We are blessed this year with breathtaking beautiful weather that has made our grass green, our flowers begin to sprout, our crab apple trees blossom and Manitobans venture into the great outdoors and explore our scenic countryside. Could the Minister of Conservation inform the House about what steps his department is taking to help more Manitobans enjoy summer at the cottage and the plans his department has for continuing with the successful cottage lot draw "

The Minister quickly rose to his feet and blathered on about the NDP government's draw for cottage lots and how his government continues to protect our environment.

By way of contrast, during the same QP, the Opposition MLA for Charleswood offered up the following to the Minister of Education:

"Cyber bullying is the latest weapon in a bully's arsenal. In fact, a recent survey reported by the CBC found that 14 percent of young Canadian computer users had been threatened while using Internet messaging and 16 percent admitted they posted hateful comments themselves. Mr. Speaker, these numbers are very alarming. I would like to ask the Minister of Education to tell us how his Safe Schools legislation addresses Internet and e-mail threats that are being made against students and teachers."

The Minister of Education's response was vacuous at best - an empty platitude that his government will "continue to work with their partners to address this issue."

Bearing in mind that the two aforementioned Members posing questions earn the same salary of $65,000, I will leave it up to the reader to decide who earned their money.

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Speaking of earning a paycheque, Manitoba's Lieutenant Governor earned his $105,000 a year salary by giving Royal Assent to a few pieces of legislation over the past few weeks. As a reward for a job well done, the Office of the Lieutenant Governor is receiving an 11 percent increase for his party budget which includes receptions, servers, caterers, cleaners and other staff as required.

The Order in Council (which means an edict from Cabinet) also makes changes to the status of the Lieutenant Governor's live-in housekeeper, who will now be categorized as a civil servant for collective bargaining purposes. This will double her salary to nearly $30,000 and there is an additional $575 allowance for a relief housekeeper.

Hopefully Manitoba's Lieutenant Governor won't get too used to this extravagant lifestyle since he will only be collecting a pension of $68,442 a year once he retires.

While regular Manitobans languish on hospital waiting lists and are burdened by the highest taxes west of Quebec, isn't it nice to see government so focused on what really matters - commenting on the beauties of spring, and increased funding for expensive champagne and caviar Our tax dollars hard at work - thanks ordinary taxpayers- keep it coming!