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OTTAWA — Prime Minister Stephen Harper and his cabinet spent millions of dollars more in 2012-13 on their offices than in the previous year, even as government departments were tightening their belts.

However, the government found some major cost savings in other areas, spending millions less than the previous year on international conferences and hospitality.

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In the upper chamber, embattled Senator Pamela Wallin — who has returned almost $150,000 in improper travel expenses — had one of the largest travel bills.

According to the Public Accounts of Canada, tabled Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s Office spent $8.2-million in 2012-13 on staff, communications and other costs, a 7% over roughly $7.6-million the previous year.

Combined, federal ministers’ offices spent about $56.1-million in the last fiscal year (not including ministers’ salaries) on personnel, communications, transportation, services and other items, almost $3-million more than the previous year.