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Liberals “are entitled to their entitlements”

I wonder if this is part of the Liberals’ multi-kajillion-dollar “Kyoto commitments to the world community” program. 

Volpe’s $1,000 limo ride

By ALAN FINDLAY, TORONTO SUN
January 17 2005

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Joe Volpe rented limos to ferry him on long trips from Toronto last year, with one ride to Buffalo and back costing more than $1,000, Sun Media has learned.

Leaked documents detail a 12 1/2-hour trip to the nearby U.S. city last March that included an $850 fare, $127.50 tip and $68.43 in GST for a total cost of $1,045.93.

Another 10 1/2-hour trip to an undisclosed location from Pearson airport cost $522.

Volpe’s spokesman, Stephen Heckbert, said the trips were the best option given the alternatives. In the case of Buffalo, Heckbert said there were no direct flights available and a charter would have been too expensive.

“It’s often times cheaper to drive to and from Buffalo,” Heckbert said, adding the city is a very busy location for immigration issues because it’s so close to the border.

He suggested the other high-priced limo ride was for a trip to London and back on a day (March 31) when Volpe had a subsequent meeting back in Toronto.

“A flight to London, I think, is about $600, so the minister always explores the best and the cheapest option based on the time he’s got, where he has to go, what he has to do when he gets there,” said Heckbert.

Volpe was under fire from opposition critics last year after expense reports showed he charged more than $7,000 in meals to taxpayers between March 2 and June 1.

One eye-popper was a pizza dinner for two at $138.

 

Joel Johannesen
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