March 30, 2010

Manitoba's NDP government is bound by legislation to take a 40% pay cut after running consecutive deficits. It seems, however, that Manitoba's politicians would prefer to keep their generous salaries and they are working to remove this mandated pay-cut. Apparently, keeping their larger salaries will somehow help the province get rid of the deficit. Ouch!

March 23, 2010

Despite massive growth in Alberta's health-care spending over recent years, a new report shows that these costs are set to soar even higher. As Ed Stelmach's government increased spending they still neglected the maintenance and repair of many facilities. The number of hospitals and facilities in need of repair is expected to triple during this year. Already saddled with more than $4-billion in deficit, it will be even more difficult to return the province to fiscal health. Ouch!

Wednesday March 17th

Today, Toronto City Coucillors had their expenses reviewed and posted. Among the most egregious offenders is recent mayoral hopeful Adam Giambrone. With a $3,000 taxi bill last year despite a taxpayer subsidized metropass, it seems that to Giambrone  the public purse is more appealingthan public transit. Ouch!

Wednesday March 3, 2010

Today we are writing with the hope that tomorrow's budget will not contain an "Ouch of the Day." In the Governor General's Speech from the Throne today we were promised a government salary freeze, a reduction in spending, as well as a reduction of the public service. The NCC has been waiting for this fiscal sanity to return to government, and we hope tomorrow's budget delivers on these promises.