Chances are you've probably heard or read about Governor General Adrienne Clarkson's three-week state visit (aka: taxpayer financed junket) later this month with 59 other "exceptional" Canadians (read: her well heeled friends) to Russia, Finland and Iceland. Initial estimates, based on past globe trotting exercises of the GG and her entourage, peg the cost at a cool million dollars.

Who are these exceptional Canadians besides Mme. Clarkson herself. Where her hubby, socialist author John Ralston Saul is along for the ride along with, according to the official news release, "Denys Arcand, Maurice Strong, Mary Simon, Peter Irniq, Roméo Dallaire, Yann Martel, Sheila Watt-Cloutier, Arthur Erickson, Édouard Lock, Bob Rae, Jane Urquhart, Measha Brueggergosman, Michael Ondaatje" and a couple of dozen other authors, artists, and vintners (they make wine).

And of course what would a taxpayer funded junket be without a couple of Cabinet Ministers and two hands full of Senators and MPs Yes, they'll be along as well.

The theme of this junket, er trip, is the Modern North and, again according to the official news release, during the trip "delegation members will meet counterparts in these three northern countries and participate in a variety of public discussions, roundtables and events focussing on the challenges and realities of working in the northern environment, as well as on the common links and endeavours we share living in the circumpolar world."

So what will this delegation do Well just look at some of the great things that will happen according to Mme Clarkson's press office -

"Cultural events such as the Russian commercial premiere of Denys Arcand's Les invasions barbares and other film screenings, public readings by Canadian authors, concerts by Measha Brueggergosman, Shauna Rolston and Heather Schmidt in Finland and Iceland, the opening of a photo exhibit by Edward Burtynsky in Helsinki and the presentation of La La La Human Steps' Amelia in Moscow will reflect and explore the modern, creative cultures of Canada and the host countries."

And of course we can't forget the penchant for wine promotion on this trip. Heck for a cheap flight to these countries this author will stand on a street corner in Helsinki and promote fine Ontario and BC wines.

The list of exceptional Canadians includes many accomplished individuals with many of them having made the majority of their productive career living on the public payroll - either directly in the public service or through a variety of cultural grants and subsidies.

If this group of distinguished Canadians wants to promote Canada abroad - something that they are most capable of doing - they should do so on their own time and their own dime!

Interestingly enough, not a word has been uttered by anyone in the Liberal government at this outrageous junket of fine dining and drinking. As for those self-righteous champions of the poor, downtrodden, disadvantaged, lower-income Canadians, also known as the NDP, not a critical peep has come from top dog Jack Layton's mouth about this offensive expense. Instead, his media comments indicate support for this junket.

Ah yes, Jacuzzi socialism is alive and well on Canada's left flank. Federal NDP leader in his own words seems wholeheartedly supportive blowing $1 million of taxpayer cash on a junket for Canada's rich and famous while millions of Canadians work to make ends meet. It's enough to make a taxpayers sick to their stomachs.