The Senate’s annual budget has increased steadily over the past six years and is now about 70 percent higher than it was in 2016, senators heard during a budget committee meeting on Dec. 15.
“In 2016, when we decided to reform the Senate, that year our Senate expenses were just under $75 million,” said Sen. Don Plett, leader of the opposition in the Senate.
Plett pointed out to the Standing Committee on Internal Economy, Budgets and Administration that the Senate’s expenses over the past seven years have increased by $52 million at an annual rate.
“One may wonder if Canadians are getting 70 percent more out of the Senate than they did in 2016. I was here before 2016 and I’m here now, and I don’t think we are getting 70 percent more services,” Plett said, adding, “Things are not improving.”…