Senate expenses: what you need to know
Senators Patrick Brazeau, Mike Duffy, Mac Harb and Pamela Wallin implicated in scandal that has gripped Ottawa
CBC News
Last Updated: Aug. 26, 2013
The travel habits and housing arrangements of some Canadian senators have been under the microscope in recent months.
The ongoing controversy led to audits of four senators' expense claims.
More: Key moments in the Senate expenses controversy
Whether any criminal charges will come out of this won't be known for some time, as the RCMP investigates some cases. But the controversy has already caused some to rethink the upper chamber and how it operates.
Take a look below for key facts about the Senate and more about the expenses scandal.
History of Senate salaries
A $10,700 tax-free expense allowance was eliminated in 2001. Senate salaries were increased as a result. | Source: Parliament of Canada
Key numbers: Expenses and pay
Expenses
$22,000 |
Maximum amount a senator can claim in living expenses, as long as his or her primary residence is at least 100 kilometres from Ottawa. |
$90 |
Daily amount (per diem) that senators can claim for meals while on Senate business. |
64 points |
Under Senate travel rules (PDF link), maximum amount of travel a senator can claim. A return trip to a senator's primary residence is valued at one point. These rules were amended in June. |
Salaries and benefits
$135,200 |
Base salary for a Canadian senator. |
$76,700 |
Government leader's salary bonus. This is one of several Senate positions entitled to extra renumeration. |
$66,218 |
Average pension for former senators, as of March 2012 (PDF link). Senators who have contributed to the plan for at least six years can be eligible for pensions. |
Who's who in the expense controversy
Sources: CBC News stories, wire service reports | Photo of Senate chamber: Adrian Wyld/Canadian Press