Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Time for Revolutionary Politics

As the provincial Progressive Conservatives and Liberals are looking for a new leader, and as others are considering a new party, now’s the perfect time for a refreshing change.

Harper needs to end the special pension deal for government employees

When you raise the issue around the water cooler about how we pay our politicians in Ottawa, it rarely takes long before you hear a rant about their platinum-plated pensions. And for good reason; the over $100 million taxpayers kick in each year is not chump change. But, it’s the tip of the pension iceberg in Ottawa – a tip that needs to be sliced off in order to address the real government pension costs that are quietly eating away at Canadian pocketbooks.

What’s Your School Board Up To?

There are over 250 school boards nation-wide in Canada, so it’s difficult for a non-profit, taxpayers’ watchdog organization like the Canadian Taxpayers Federation to keep tabs on each one.

Budget Moves B.C. Two Steps Forward, One Step Back

• B.C. Government prudent with fiscal projections and limiting spending growth to two per cent
• Continual MSP increases and Crown Corp creep hurt families

VICTORIA, B.C.: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) responded to Minister Kevin Falcon’s 2012-13 British Columbia Budget today.

Watching Pennies Pays Off

Home improvement experts say the key to laying down flooring is to take extra care with the first few rows of tile. If those first tiles are even a tiny bit out of place, the floor will seem completely crooked at the end. It’s all about taking care of the little things first—a good model for governments spending our money.

Nothing Says Poverty Like a Spa Retreat

WINNIPEG, MB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on the Prairie Valley School Division (PVSD) today to explain why it is planning a 2-3 day spa retreat just after it discusses funding concerns with the Education Minister.

Harper Should Start with MPs if he wants to Reform Canadian Pensions

It might be understandable if a number of Canadians didn’t appreciate Prime Minister Stephen Harper talking recently about reforming public sector pensions and Old Age Security (OAS) social assistance payments. After all, nobody likes the idea of their retirement plans changing, whether it is by way of a downturn in the market or a change in a government policy.

Canadian Museum for Human Irony

Of all government projects, shouldn’t a “human rights” museum be transparent and up front with humans? Shouldn’t a “human rights” museum also not force taxpayers to donate to it?

To Be Considered Truly Open, Government Must Be Proactive

Every election cycle, in every campaign from school board to prime minister, two sets of vows are made: incumbent politicians promise to continue listening to the public, while their opponents promise to change government by throwing open its doors.

Send In Your Budget Wishes

Almost every day, special interest groups meet with provincial politicians and put in requests to receive your hard earned tax dollars.

B.C. Government Wastes $125,000 Trying To Keep IBM Contract Secret

• Province going back to court in March to keep contract under wraps

VANCOUVER, B.C.--The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today revealed that the provincial government has spent $124,522.48 so far in its eight-year-long fight against releasing the IBM workplace service contract to the BC Freedom of Information and Privacy Association (FIPA).

MP Pension Rip-off Will Cost Taxpayers at Least $277 Million

• 39 MPs elected in 2006 qualify for $30.9 million lifetime payout on January 23, 2012

OTTAWA, ON, -- With only a few days to go before the 6th anniversary of the 2006 election, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has released a report estimating that the cost to retire the entire 41st Parliament in 2015 is at least $262 million in cumulative pensions and $15 million in severance payoffs.

“We Need to Notify Public” - Winnipeg Police

WINNIPEG, MB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) and WiseUp Winnipeg released emails from the Winnipeg Police Service today that stressed the “need” to notify the public prior to mobile photo radar on Grant Avenue west of Nathaniel and other new locations. The CTF and WiseUp Winnipeg are calling on the police to explain why a press release never went out – and violations did - by the thousands.

Carbon Tax Should Be Killed, Not Used For Transit

Whenever a transit authority cries poor in British Columbia, the NDP inevitably rush in with a claim that the carbon tax is the perfect way to pay for it. In reality, the vast majority of British Columbians would be better off if the carbon tax was killed, not repurposed.

Three Cheers for the Chief

There are lots of unfortunate news stories lately about horrible things happening on aboriginal reserves, but there’s also a really good news story happening right now that deserves more attention.

CTF Releases Nation-Wide Tax Changes for New Year

OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released its annual New Year Tax Changes calculations today, which provide projected personal income and payroll tax changes taking effect January 1, 2012.

Crowded Sask Legislature Should Not Add Seats

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) called on the Wall government today to scrap its plan to add three new provincial seats to the legislature and instead consider reducing Saskatchewan’s seat count down to 53; "merely" double Alberta’s ratio of politicians to citizens.

Kyoto: Good Riddance to a Bad Deal for Canadians

Canadians have every reason to celebrate our country's recent decision to withdraw from the Kyoto Protocol. Our refusal to play the role of sucker at a United Nations poker game might even send a message to the world's real polluters.

Another Photo Radar Debacle?

WINNIPEG, MB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) and Wise-up Winnipeg is urging motorists not to pay photo radar tickets issued in the vicinity of Grant Avenue and Nathaniel Street.

Single Letter Helps Change Law

You never know what a single letter can do.