January 24, 2011

Taxpayers have become very familiar with  the $2-per vote subsidy that political parties receive each year. This drains public coffers of more than $26-million annually - yet it turns out this is only about half of the story. Donations to political parties earn a generous tax credit - more than twice as much as charitable donations. This scheme adds another $20 million to the bill for taxpayers. It is unclear why a political contribution should receive a larger tax credit than a legitimate, charitable donation. OUCH!

January 20, 2011

According to new information released by to QMI Agency, Correctional Services Canada spends a great deal of taxpayer money on prisoners' travel. From January 2009 to October 2010, taxpayers forked over more than $5-million for travel, transfer and security of prisoners. Many Canadians feel that if a prisoner wants to visit an ailing relative, etc. they should pay for it themselves. Ouch!

January 13, 2011

The federal Conservatives have committed to reducing government 'red-tape' and paperwork for small businesses -  unfortunately, to accomplish this the government has established a new Commission. We already have a Minister of Public Works and Government Services, a Minister of Industry, a Minister of State for Democratic Reform, and a Minister of State for Small Business - surely the government can reduce 'red-tape' without creating more. Ouch!

January 12, 2011

The federal government is pressing ahead with advertising and branding for a federal securities regulator. The problem? Many provinces still object to this proposal. The federal government has already spent $100,000 - which may easily turn out to be wasted money. Ouch!

January 7, 2011

To celebrate the the centenial of Parks Canada the Canadian Mint has released a commemorative silver dollar. The problem? Half of the species of plants and animals shown on the coin do not live in or near a national park. These 'dollars', which hint at poor foresight, are on sale for more than $55.00. Ouch!

January 6, 2011

Canada's federal political parties receive a generous subsidy each year from taxpayers. At about $2 per vote received in the most recent election, taxpayers paid out more than $27-milion last year. Prime Minister Harper tried to repeal this allowance in 2008 but was defeated. Several parties, such as the Bloc Quebecois do not even need to fundraise anymore - and we wonder why politicians don't listen to citizens! Ouch!

January 4, 2011

Last year, the federal government spent more than $30-million on housing and rent in the nation's capital. This money was spent to house National Defence employees left high-and-dry by a housing shortage in Ottawa. The total would have been up to three times as high if they included housing spaces that are owned outright by the federal government instead of just rentals. Taxpayers across the country who have seen rental rates and energy costs skyrocket are, understandably, demanding more information. Ouch!