Despite suspension, Raymond Laving racks up more than $700,000 in expenses
Liberal Senator Raymond Lavigne has managed to spend more than $700,000 in taxpayer funds on “public business” since 2007, the year he was charged by the RCMP with fraud, breach of trust and obstruction of justice, and was kicked out of the Senate as a result. Most of the senator’s extracurricular spending relates to office, travel and living expenses. During a three-month period last fall, Lavigne cost taxpayers $30,787 in expenses plus $33,000 in salary. The accomplishments Lavigne lists his website include meeting with “well-known Quebec artists” and showing up at a grocery store opening.