Recently there have been two incidents that involve political funding and how it’s done.
One of these is open, public opinion and without charge. The other incident had 31 charges involved.
Of course, I make reference to our illustrious (underpaid and overworked premier) and of course, our illustrious, blatantly honest and above-board hardworking, no nonsense, stellar, senator, Mike Duffy. Before anyone gets the wrong idea that my comments reflect my personal political stance, for the record my comments are not made from that viewpoint. That these two individuals were duly elected is not at issue here.
Premier Clark’s salary is approximately $200,000 (plus or minus) per annum plus expenses. Not bad for spending about 40 days of each year in parliamentary sessions. That’s about $6,250 per day — not bad! What’s the minimum daily wage for a 37 to 40 hour work week? If you came up with about $85 (plus or minus) per day, you’d be close.
True there are other issues at hand, however, most are carefully selected photo ops that are nothing more than political gerrymandering (to use a U.S. coined term). It’s the “cock robin approach” which is literally chest out and look at what I have done for you scenario.
There was a recent issue involving the premier in receiving an additional $50,000 stipend from her party. What this is for, we don’t really know. Is it for going above and beyond the call of duty or is it because it is who she is? Jury is still out on that one. There was an outcry of foul by many in the political circle and the media. However, after due deliberation on the part of the auditor-general, it was found that it was “OK” that she be given this stipend. It was deemed by the auditor that there were no improprieties here at all. Interesting or what?
Mike Duffy, as a senator, sat in the House for 76 days when he last sat in the House. His senatorial salary (excluding expenses) for that year was approximately $138,000 (plus or minus). Expenses, living allowance et al are something else again. He was charged with 31 counts of improprieties and irregularities. The trial issues festered for about 2.3 years. He’s now back in the Senate and will, in all probability, go after back pay — give or take $265,000 because a judge found him not guilty on all charges.
Amazing how that works. Not guilty on any and all 31 charges. Canada’s justice system at work again?
Ron Barillaro
Penticton