How business is done in Ottawa

This one might be an inside joke amongst Canadians right now, but it's a good one:

How business is done in Ottawa

The steps at the Parliament Hill building need some repairs so bids are taken from contractors 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 redneck 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."

Finally, a VP from a Liberal-friendly advertising firm in 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 government officer taking the bids asks him to explain it.  "It's simple," replies the advertising executive. "$20,000 for me, $20,000 for you, and we hire the guy from Calgary to do the work."