Following testimony at the Mike Duffy trial, Glen McGregor went back through the records of Duffy’s speaking engagements and what he was paid for them. Why? Because at trial, it came to light that he paid a speechwriter for a last-minute speech to one group, made a couple of tiny changes to it, paid for said speech through his “clearing fund” run by Gerald Donohue as though it were an expense related to his Senate duties, and then collected the $15,000 fee. Senate ethics guidelines state that they are not to collect speaking fees if it’s related to their Senate duties – and to be clear, there are plenty of parliamentarians in both Chambers for whom it’s entirely appropriate to have a Speaker’s bureau arrange and charge for speeches based on their previous experiences, because it’s not part of their parliamentary duties and it ensures that their expenses are covered and not charged to the taxpayer. Duffy, however, seems to have breached this particular rule, which could be yet another wrinkle in his attempt to prove his innocence, or to show that the “clearing fund” was only for legitimate parliamentary expenses. Meanwhile, looking back at the trial, we see recollections of his memorable phrases, and the petulance of his testimony.

Good reads:

Federal and provincial finance ministers are currently meeting in Ottawa, and discussing things like health transfers and CPP enhancement.

Justin Trudeau has asked Treasury Board president Scott Brison to work with the justice minister on Access to Information reform.

It may be several years before Canada is in a position to compete for another seat at the UN Security Council, despite the new era of Canada’s Back™.

Defence minister Harjit Sajjan is visiting Iraq.

John McCallum is saying that the number of Syrian refugees coming to Canada will reach 50,000 by the end of 2016.

CBC looks at five changes the Liberals are bringing in that will likely stick beyond their mandate.

Odds and ends:

Surprising nobody, Maxime Bernier is considering a run for leadership.

The rumour mill is talking about Vancouver mayor Gregor Robertson contemplating a future run with the federal Liberals.