Canada's National Bird

I always thought it was the Canada Goose too, but maybe we should recruit a few of these from down under. We all tend to avoid the facts that are so easily attainable.  I decided to look at the Canadian Senator's expenses. In less than 5 second a simple google search brought me to an official page that breaks everything down by quarter and for each senator and the claimed expenses. These are of course on top of the base salary of $132,300 and benefits. The news media is constantly chirping lately about how ineffective the Senate is and how much it costs, but when you really go looking it is still shocking. Remember there are 105 Senators. 

Hon. Mike Duffy for the period of 9/1/2012 - 11/30/2012

Staff & Office                  $37068

Hospitality                       $369

Living Expense in Ottawa         $4636

Regular Travel (home to Ottawa) $12876

Other Travel                     $6022

Total for the Quarter           $60971

Hon. Pamela Wallin for the period 9/1/2012 - 11/30/2012

Staff & Office                  $48291

Hospitality                      $1035

Living Expense in Ottawa         $1764

Regular Travel (home to Ottawa)  $7312

Other Travel                    $43645

Total for the Quarter          $102047

Now multiply this by four to arrive at an annual figure (Duffy $243884/Wallin $408188) and then bite your tongue, but don't do this: