Praise to Caesar!

Why does Canada need a Senate? What use is it to the nation? How much does it cost? Via what route do the members gain access?

The only possible answer to question one is another question: Who knows? Number two? Not much. Question three you'll have to Google but today's information is, as it relates to Raymond Lavigne, more costly than we will ever know. Finally, gaining access? Well, it all relates to the political trough. Mr Lavigne was appointed by the Liberals. They suspended him but he continued to draw pretty high expenses. So far Stephen Harper has appointed thirty-seven senators since he "won" his minority government. That power is his alone. One just has to assume that receiving a job with a minimal job requirement (attending one session a year) with a salary of $132,300 per annum demands some allegiance to the giver. While I'm sure Larry Smith is a bright and reliable man, it is hard not to see a plan in his recent appointment. No sooner was he named a Senator than he announced his intention to run for the Tories in the next election, whenever that happens. He shouldn't need to take out any personal loans during that contest, thanks to his Senate salary. Should he win, has he been offered a ministerial job? In both situations, I'm sure he will love Caesar for such kindness.

Back to Senator Lavigne, the non-sitting (since 2007) Senator who is under investigation on charges of fraud and breach of public trust, yet continues to use his "SenmasterCard" (courtesy of Canadian taxpayers) to pay his bills. e.g. September 1-November 30, 2010:
  office expenses:              $17,700           
  travel:                               $8,000                                
  cost-of-living in Ottawa:    $4,500
  Scamming the public?
                                         Priceless!

               "There's nothing money can't buy. For everything, there's SenmasterCard."