built for glory

Courtesy of my boss, a fair idea of what Canadians are like:
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 guy from Winnipeg 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 Winnipeg."