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In one breath parliamentarians on Thursday described Governor-General Adrienne Clarkson as a "classy lady," but they were quick to add the costs associated with her office -- reportedly $41 million in the past year -- renewed calls for a debate on the value of this country's head of state "When basic needs aren't being met elsewhere in the country, a lot of people might think $41 million is too much for a ceremonial, vice-regal position," Manitoba New Democratic Party MP Pat Martin, said Thursday. "Canadians deserve to have the debate once and for all: Do we still want a vice-regal? If we do, what should her tasks and duties be? And third, how much are we willing to pay for that?" The projected figure for the cost of Clarkson's activities was compiled from a release from her office. It represents the first time the full costs of the governor-general have been put before parliamentarians, Martin said. "She's a classy lady," Alberta Conservative MP John Williams, who heads the House public accounts committee, said, of Clarkson, "but very expensive to have around."
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