(One of the fastest growing area of spending is Parliament itself).

Report, The, March, 2003 by Peter Stock

* It wasn't mentioned in the February budget, but one of the fastest-growing areas of spending at the federal level is Parliament itself. When the Liberals took power in 1993, the budget for the House of Commons and Senate was $236 million a year. Ten years later, the national legislature will spend at least $325 million.

A portion of that increased spending will go to pay MPs. The base salaries for parliamentarians are now $135,000 annually, with additional stipends for committee chairmen, parliamentary secretaries and cabinet ministers. Prime Minister Chretien earned $270,000 this year, in addition to enjoying the perks of public housing at 24 Sussex Drive and international travel.