Winnipeg: Freedom of Information requests filed by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) have revealed that various provincial government agencies, boards and crown corporations have spent over $4.1 million on promotional give away items over the last four years.
"Why does the Workers Compensation Board need to hand out promotional manicure sets and flying discs?" asked CTF Manitoba director Colin Craig. "Unlike a business, they're not competing with anyone. Golf balls, golf shirts, stress balls, knives, fleece jackets, BBQ sets and coolers on wheels are examples of other products handed out by government agencies."
In June, the CTF sent Freedom of Information requests to each provincial government agency, board and crown corporation. Perhaps most startling about the responses is that the $4.1 million figure does not include government departments or the MLCC. The CTF is awaiting responses from provincial departments.
"Some of the expenditures may be appropriate, however most of it is unnecessary" said Craig. "By definition, government monopolies don't need to compete or promote their brand the same way that businesses do. Brochures that explain services are appropriate, but tax dollars shouldn't be wasted on things like BBQ sets, golf jackets and bouncy balls."
The CTF is calling for an elimination of expenditures on all unnecessary spending on promotional items.
Highlights from the FOIs:
Workers Compensation Board - Golf balls - $8,285
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation - BBQ Sets - $1,489
Workers Compensation Board - Manicure sets - $300
WRHA - Bouncing balls, lip balm, "splatter heads", etc - $35,588
Communities Economic Dev. Fund - Pocket Knives - $695
Manitoba Gaming Control Commission - Golf shirts and jackets - $18,924
Top Five Promo Spenders:
Manitoba Hydro - $1,920,000
Manitoba Lotteries - $1,107,497
Manitoba Public Insurance - $780,000
Workers Compensation Board - $194,714
Manitoba Agricultural Services - $63,314
Each agency's response can be viewed here:
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba
Burntwood Regional Health Authority
Communities Economic Development Corporation
Credit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation
Central Regional Health Authority
Legal Aid Manitoba
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation
Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council
Manitoba Gaming Control Commission
Manitoba Human Rights Commission
Manitoba Hydro
Manitoba Lotteries
Manitoba Public Insurance
Northern Manitoba Regional Health Authority
Workers Compensation Board
Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
Provincial Director Colin Craig will be available for media interviews after 12:30pm.
