“Beggar’s Checklist”: A New Tool for Provincial and Federal Politicians

WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) provided today a new tool for provincial and federal politicians to use when approached by cap-in-hand municipal politicians – “The Beggar’s Checklist.” The checklist includes ten initiatives that municipalities should have to complete prior to approaching another level of government for more funding or taxing powers.

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“When municipal politicians beg another level of government for more money they’re taking the easy way out,” said Colin Craig, Manitoba Director for the CTF and author of The Beggar’s Checklist: A ”To Do” List for Municipalities. “In most cases, municipalities need to start using their existing resources more efficiently.” The Beggar’s Checklist includes ten questions for provincial and federal politicians to ask cap-in-hand municipalities when they beg for money. They include: "Has Your Municipality..."

1. Brought staff salaries in-line with the private sector?
2. Contracted out services wherever possible?
3. Utilized public private partnerships for capital projects?
4. Sold surplus land and assets?
5. Converted services to user fees?
6. Sought volunteers for the delivery of city services?
7. Refocused activities on core services?
8. Raised revenues for services through sponsorship activities?
9. Partnered with other governments for service delivery?
10. Utilized new technology to reduce costs?

“Calgary raises $1 million each year in corporate sponsorships, Sacramento uses volunteers to help deliver services and Los Angeles is using new technology to provide rapid transit for a fraction of the cost,” added Craig. “Municipal politicians in Canada need to start copying best practices from other Canadian municipalities and other jurisdictions.” The CTF provided the Beggar’s Checklist to municipal, provincial and federal politicians across the country. Click here to view the Beggar’s Checklist. For further information please contact: Colin Craig, Manitoba Director 1-800-772-9955 (work) 204-227-5561 (cell)

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