March 28, 2024

The dock at Kits Coast Guard base has a new home at a cost to taxpayers

The union representing Coast Guard members says in the rush to close Kits base the feds seem to have overlooked an oil spill response boat. Union of Canadian Transportation Employees Regional Vice President Dave Clark says there is a reason crews rushed to tear down the Kits base dock. "They have figured out the dock that is at the Sea Island base … [Read more...]

Bond: Extension of final report on Missing Women Inquiry won’t cost taxpayers any more money

Now that the final report on BC's Missing Women Inquiry has been extended a third time, Justice Minister Shirley Bond says that won't cost taxpayers any --more-- money. "I have been assured by Commissioner Oppal that the additional month is not going to incur additional costs." Bond says Wally Oppal's review --slated to be delivered by November … [Read more...]

Christy Clark heading back to Asia, taxpayers’ group wonders why

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is questioning the need for Christy Clark's latest trip to Asia -- her third since becoming premier last year. On September 11, Clark will attend the World Economic Forum's 'Meeting of the New Champions,' taking place this year in Tianjin, China. The premier will also visit Hong Kong and Beijing for meetings … [Read more...]

BC’s Finance minister defends costy credit card bills to the taxpayers

BC's Finance Minister is defending millions of taxpayer dollars being spent on government credit cards across the ministries and the premier's office.  Kevin Falcon says as people hear about the costs coming from the various ministries they shouldn't jump to any conclusions.   "Many of them seem unexplainable but once people understand … [Read more...]

Taxpayers group launches billboard campaign against MP pensions

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has launched a national campaign on what it calls “lavish” pensions for Members of Parliament.  B.C. Director Jordan Bateman says the group has set up five billboards in cities across Canada, including here in Vancouver, that invite people to visit a website to sign petitions and email party … [Read more...]

Taxpayers will have to wait to see a report on MLA expenses

An Auditor General's report examining the legisature's budget and MLA expenses was supposed to be released Tuesday but it has been delayed.  The NDP's Shane Simpson says a special five member MLA's committee and the speaker of the house have to give the okay before the report is released.  He says both NDP members have done just … [Read more...]

Taxpayers Federation wants Transit Police included in Translink audit

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation wants BC's Transit Police to be included in an upcoming audit. Director Jordan Bateman says the officers have made several what he calls 'head-scratching' spending decisions, such as high overtime. And he says the only way to have them included in Translink's looming audit is to lobby the government to have its … [Read more...]

Taxpayers not on hook for Malik legal fees

Another court loss for one of the men acquitted of plotting Canada's worst case of terrorism. And this one will hurt him in the pocketbook. Ripudaman Singh Malik wanted the province to pick up his 9.2-million dollar tab for mounting a defence to Air India bomb plot charges he was acquitted of. But BC Supreme Court Justice Ian Josephson has ruled … [Read more...]

Canadian Taxpayers Federation welcomes “long overdue” return to the PST

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says the return to the PST has its pros and cons.   BC Director Jordan Bateman says one thing is for sure reverting to the PST won't be a net benefit to the BC economy.   He said "I don't foresee any kind of economic gain out of this of course there will be certain sectors that might do a little better, … [Read more...]

The NDP accuse the provincial government of self promotion on the taxpayers dime.

News of the Provincial Government dropping over $ 800,000 to promote their jobs plan has the opposition NDP upset.  Finance Critic Bruce Ralston says the advertising campaign is nothing more than shameless self-promotion on the taxpayers dime  Ralston says "The so called plan that they have depends on foreign investment yet all the ads … [Read more...]