Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Nortel Site Symbolizes Harper’s Military Budget Challenge

If you need a symbol for the budget challenge facing Stephen Harper, look no further than the old Nortel campus in Ottawa’s western suburbs.

Ontario Desperately Needs Fiscal Prudence

Unless the Wynne government makes serious structural spending changes, young citizens of Ontario are going to inherit a bankrupt province, similar to the likes of Greece and Cyprus.

Let’s Keep the Heart - And the Teeth - in Bill C-461

Amid the recent furore in Ottawa over backbench MPs being muzzled by the Prime Minister’s office, an important private member’s bill passed second reading on the final day before the Easter break.

BC: School Officials Getting Raises Without Reviews

In his final days on the job, outgoing auditor general John Doyle cleared off his desk by issuing five important audits. Some, like the scathing report on the thoroughly discredited Pacific Carbon Trust, received a lot of public attention. Others, like one on school board governance, did not.

Victory for Taxpayers, People on Reserves

In 2009, when the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) called for a new law that would require Canada’s aboriginal reserves to post their chief and council’s pay online, many snickered.

Tolls, Taxes and the Future of Ontario’s Roads

Premier Kathleen Wynne is flirting with the idea of raising taxes in Ontario.

Taxpayers Federation Elated With Passage of Bill C-27!

WINNIPEG, MB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) applauded the federal government for passing and proclaiming Bill C-27 today; legislation that will require aboriginal politicians on all reserves in Canada to disclose their salaries to the public (just like every other politician in the country). The CTF first began pushing for such a change back on December 22, 2009.

Bill 12 Will Usher in “Substandard Government”

Back in 1991, Provincial Treasurer Dick Johnston declared to the world: “The 1991 budget delivers on all our commitments to Albertans. Mr. Speaker, this is a balanced budget.” Unfortunately it wasn’t true. The truth was that the Alberta government had fudged the numbers in the provincial budget and ended up running a $2.6 billion deficit – the second largest under Don Getty’s watch.

Provincial Budget Good, Not Great

The provincial budget tabled by the Wall government is probably the best one you’ll find in Canada this year.

Budget 2013 – Baby Steps towards a Balanced Budget and Tax Relief

• Government keeps the lid on spending – total expenses rise less than 1 per cent

OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) gave today’s federal budget a B-minus, applauding the government’s plans to overhaul job training and keep a lid on spending, while criticizing the extension of pork-barreling regional development programs and make-work projects.

Harper Needs to Stay on Course with Budget 2013

Stephen Harper won his majority in 2011 – on his fourth attempt – because of certain promises he made. He promised to control spending. He promised to balance the federal budget in 2014-15. And he promised to deliver tax relief once the budget was balanced, by extending income splitting to working families and by doubling the amount we can all put in our Tax-Free Savings Accounts each year.

Government Stiping Critical Accountability Laws

• 18 major reporting areas reduced or repealed entirely in Bill 12

CALGARY, AB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) called on the provincial government today to not repeal key aspects of the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) and Government Accountability Act (GAA). In Budget 2013-14, Finance Minister Doug Horner announced that the two acts would be repealed entirely and replaced with Bill 12: the Financial Management Act (FMA) in Bill 12.

Slaying the Green Energy Dragon

Kevin O’Leary knows a good deal when he sees one. The lead investor on both popular TV shows, Canada’s Dragon’s Den and the US-equivalent Shark Tank, is no-nonsense when it comes to money-losing ventures and bad business ideas. His reaction to a request for him to invest in green energy in Ontario is a good indicator of where that industry is headed.

Stop PavCo’s Banana Republic Tactics on Information Requests

If “information is the currency of democracy,” as Thomas Jefferson is believed to have said, British Columbia is going broke. Taxpayers deserve far better when it comes to open, accountable government.

The Real Deficit

In 2013-14, the Alberta government is will run a projected $5.1 billion deficit.

Wall Should Empower You More

If a neighbour knocked on your door and asked you to invest in his invention, would you be able to weight the pros and cons and make a decision on whether to invest your own money?

Shoulder Shrugging About $400k Not Acceptable

WINNIPEG, MB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released today Manitoba Hydro’s response to concerns raised about the broken Chemawawin Resource Trust agreement. The CTF reiterated its call for Hydro to hold the band accountable for draining the principle of the fund and also called on the provincial government to do the same.

Did Transit Police Sweeten Their Stats?

What if a public company gave one set of sales numbers to its board of directors, another to its shareholders, and a third to its auditors? Would you feel comfortable entrusting the executive of this company with a $29.6 million investment?

15th Annual “Teddy” Government Waste Awards Winners

• Provincial – Former Alberta Tourism Minister Billed Taxpayers for Mother-Daughter Olympic Junket
• Local – Toronto Maintenance and Skilled Trades Council’s $143 pencil sharpener
• Lifetime Achievement – Bev Oda turns on the juice, smokes all challengers

OTTAWA, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today held its 15th annual Teddy Waste Awards ceremony, roasting the year’s worst and funniest examples of government waste. CTF Federal Director Gregory Thomas, Master of Ceremonies, joined the charming and talented Catherine Brière and the CTF’s pig mascot Porky the Waste Hater at the swine-studded gala, held on Parliament Hill at the Charles Lynch Press Conference Theatre.

Taxpayers Federation Gives Top Waste Award to the $143 Pencil Sharpener

TORONTO, ON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) held its 15th annual Teddy Waste Awards in Ottawa this morning, and the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) walked away with the top local prize for its outrageous contract with the Maintenance and Skilled Trades Council.