And they expect us to feel sorry for them? Fat chance.
Already swirling in controversy, Canada's senators are again making the news headlines, this time because they apparently want to draw attention to the fact they may be looking at working into their summer holidays... They claim they are 'feeling the pressure.'
Awww...
Now I'll acknowledge the fact that not ALL senators are corrupt (at least I would certainly hope that's the case) but given the amount of negative press I've been reading, I would think as a group, these people would want to do everything possible to assure Canadians they are doing their jobs and willing to "go that extra mile" to prove they're working for the benefit of Canada.
With that in mind I guess, this week senators announced they are "willing" to stay on the job into July if necessary to pass five government bills and possibly two Tory bills to clear up a backlog when MPs take their breaks.
Speaking on behalf of the majority of Canadians - who don't automatically get the summers off with pay - I say GOOD. If there's a backlog and there is important work that needs to get done, then that should take priority over a luxury summer hiatus.
Again, this doesn't pertain to all senators, but the fact there have been a number caught taking advantage of taxpayer dollars has left a sour taste in the mouths of Canadians and little sympathy - especially when it comes to a matter like this. When they do go off on their breaks they will go with what some say will be "the air of scandal hanging over them." The results of an audit of Senator Pamela Wallin's travel expenses is due this July and RCMP are also deep into a criminal investigation of Mike Duffy who was reportedly accepting payments he ought not to have. These are just two of the bigger names with their hands caught in the cookie jar.
At this point in time, accountability, transparency and answering the question of whether the senate even has a place in Canadian government should be at the forefront - not feeling sorry because there will be a slight holiday loss.
Most of us work all year to get just three weeks off. Some of us don't get the luxury of holidays at all, so given the situation, I'm guessing there won't be an outpouring of support or sympathy if our senators have to work a week or two into their allotted down time.
