This joke came to me today by email. Pass it on!

The steps at the Parliament Hill building needed some repairs so bids are taken from contractors from across the country.

First a contractor from Toronto looks it over. After a session of measuring and figuring he presents his bid. I can do it for $19,000, he says. I’d need $9,000 for materials, $9,000 for my crew, and $1,000 profit for me.

*Next a contractor from Calgary does his measuring and calculating then says, I’ll do it for $17,000. $8,000 for materials, $8,000 for my crew, and $1,000 profit for me. *

Last a Liberal-friendly advertising firm from Montreal steps up. Without even looking at the job site he says, I’ll do it for $57,000. Surprised at how high it is, the man taking the bids asks him to explain it. It’s simple, he says. $20,000 for me, $20,000 for you, and we hire the guy from Calgary.