Earlier, we revealed children and family development deputy minister Lesley du Toit gets a $2,000 per month living allowance on top of her $207,900 annual salary. And here's a surprise: she's the only top bureaucrat to get such an allowance. This, according to the public service agency. Speaking with Public Eye, the premier's press secretary Mike Morton explained, "It's because of the fact she has a term contract. It's a four-year term contract. And she still maintains her permanent home in South Africa. And it was negotiated as part of her contract that, while she was here, she would receive a living allowance rather than moving her over here on a permanent basis."

That allowance means Ms. du Toit shouldn't have had much trouble finding lodging in Victoria. For example, Duttons & Co. Real Estate Ltd. presently offers a fully-furnished two bedroom suite in the "much desired" Songhees neighbourhood for $1,645 per month. For those who prefer downtown living, a one bedroom apartment - located in a "distinct character building" next to Market Square - can be had for $1,795. And, for $95 less, Duttons offers a home at The Reef, one of the newest developments in James Bay.