The Teddies

Hollywood has its Oscars, we have the Teddies. The Teddies, handed out at a black tie news conference each February, honour the best of the worst of high taxes and wasteful government spending.

A golden sow is awarded federally, provincially and for lifetime achievement to any bureaucrat, politician, government or government agency that demonstrates a unique ability to waste or increase our taxes.

Founded in 1999, the Teddies are named after Ted Weatherill a former senior public servant who was terminated in 1998 for "expenses incurred by him ... incompatible with his position as Chairman of the Canada Labour Relations Board."

Ted's most famous expense was a $733.43 lunch for two in Paris! It's always tough selecting nominees worthy of an award in Mr. Weatherill's honour ... but as taxpayers well know, we manage!

Past recipients include the former NDP government of British Columbia for the "fast ferry fiasco", the federal government for its firearms registry and former Member of Parliament Sheila Copps in the 'lifetime achievement' category.

To nominate, please send us an email.

Eligibility

The Ted Weatherill Award (a Teddy) is awarded annually to a public office holder, civil servant or agency of government, that most exemplifies government waste, overspending, over-taxation, excessive regulation, lack of accountability, or any combination of the five. A Teddy may be awarded to said recipient on the basis of past accomplishments in such areas, or on the basis of proposed initiatives in the aforementioned categories.

The Federal Teddy

Awarded annually to a federal public office holder, civil servant, or agency, that most exemplifies government waste, overspending, over-taxation, excessive regulation, lack of accountability, or any combination of the five.

The Provincial/Municipal Teddy

Awarded annually to a provincial or municipal public office holder, civil servant, or agency, that most exemplifies government waste, overspending, over-taxation, excessive regulation, lack of accountability, or any combination of the five.

The Lifetime Achievement Teddy

The CTF may, on occasion, confer the Ted Weatherill Lifetime Achievement Award to a public office holder or civil servant most deserving of recognition for their lifetime contribution to depriving taxpayers of their wealth through government waste, overspending, over-taxation, excessive regulation, lack of accountability, or any combination of these five qualities.

In order to receive this award, a member of Canada’s political class must demonstrate a commitment that goes above and beyond the ordinary ability to tax and spend. In addition to such skills, one must demonstrate ability to waste tax dollars beyond even the normal ability of run-of-the-mill governments engaged in penny ante squandering.

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TaxFighter of the Year

On the other side of the coin is the CTF's TaxFighter Award given on unique occasions to a Canadian who demonstrates outstanding commitment and dedication to the cause of taxpayer emancipation.

Past recipients of the TaxFighter Award include radio talkshow host Dave Rutherford of QR77 Radio in Calgary and former Ontario premier Mike Harris for passage of Ontario's Taxpayer Protection Act.

To nominate, please send us an email.