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Canada's senators aren't just senators. A Globe and Mail analysis of financial disclosure statements show 46 of 99 senators have other jobs. Many are roles with no disclosed salaries or stipends – lawyers, a doctor and various private business owners – but some figures are publicly available, or have been disclosed.

In those 12 cases, senators have together earned at least $5.8-million in salaries for work outside the Senate since being appointed to it, and up to another $2-million in stock options, which may not be exercised, or may fall in value before being cashed in. Five senators have, on at least one occasion, skipped a Senate sitting day for annual board meetings, according to attendance records reviewed by The Globe.

Senators are paid $135,200 per year, with bonuses for various roles, such as government leader, speaker or caucus whip.

Of these 12 senators, some have quit some or all of their non-Senate jobs since being appointed, saying the time demands and potential for conflicts-of-interest made it too difficult to juggle the responsibilities. Others say the roles ensure the Senate remains in close contact with the business community, and that work in the Senate – which sat for 91 days in 2012 – can be balanced with other roles.

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