Official site of the
CANADIAN TAXPAYERS FEDERATION
a citizens advocacy group dedicated to lower taxes,
less waste and accountable government.

Some Good NDP Moves Worth Mentioning

Manitoba Manitoba’s NDP government is getting a lot of well-deserved criticism these days for higher sales taxes, skyrocketing debt... However, the provincial government has managed to eek out a few worthy initiatives that deserve praise.

Major Manitoba Business and Taxpayer Organizations Urge Premier Selinger to Reverse PST Hike

Manitoba Six major business and taxpayer organizations in Manitoba pen open letter to Premier Selinger, urging him to reverse his PST increase decision.

Saskatchewan Attracting Manitobans in Droves

Saskatchewan The numbers don't lie, more and more Manitobans are packing up and moving to Saskatchewan. Here's a look at why...

CTF Exposes the ‘Not So Poor’ Living in Calgary Subsidized Housing

Alberta The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released the results of its investigation into subsidized housing in Calgary today. The CTF discovered 1,208 tenants making between $50,000 and $172,000 living in housing subsidized by the Calgary Housing Company (CHC).
LEARN MORE
Petitions

Put Parliament's Expense Receipts Online

Federal
MPs and Senators should be transparent and accountable to taxpayers with how they spend taxpayers' money. Sign the petition

Don't raise the PST

Manitoba
Petition to stop the Manitoba government from raising the PST. Sign the petition

Lower gas taxes & dedicate them to roads

Federal
Require the federal government by law to continue dedicating all gas and diesel taxes to roads. Sign the petition

Post MLA expenses online

British Columbia
We demand that British Columbia's MLAs fully disclose their expenses online. Sign the petition

Balanced Federal Budgets

Federal
After 11 straight years of federal government surpluses and debt reduction, 2008-09 saw the Canadian government return to spending more than it earns - deficit financing. Sign the petition

No Tax Hikes

Alberta
In August 2011 Premier Redford committed in writing, if elected, her government would balance the budget by 2013 without raising taxes. Sign the petition

Stop Bailing Out Government Employee Pension Plans

Federal, Saskatchewan
Taxpayers can't afford to keep paying billions of dollars each year to bailout government employee pension plans. Sign the petition

Balance the Nova Scotia Budget

Atlantic
We the undersigned, demand the Nova Scotia government honor its commitment to balance the budget in 2013-14 Sign the petition

Debt Free Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan
From 2012 to 2017 the Saskatchewan government plans to repay a mere $400 million of provincial debt. Sign the petition

Eliminate bracket creep

Manitoba
Manitoba is one of the few jurisdictions in Canada that unfairly taxes citizens through a back door form of taxation known as bracket creep. Sign the petition
VIEW MORE PETITIONS

Sign Petition


Facebook Live

Blog
By Nick Bergamini
on June 19, 2013

Bob Rae to collect $56,000 MP pension
Bob Rae to collect $56,000 MP pensionFormer Liberal Leader and Premier of Ontario Bob Rae will be stepping down as the MP for Toronto-Centre and walking away from Parliament Hill. While he never fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming prime minister, there is some good news for Mr. Rae: he will be able to immediately collect a handsome MP pension. Read More
By Nick Bergamini
on June 18, 2013

Senators do a need a lecture - in ethics
Senators do a need a lecture - in ethicsDespite the gold plated pension, $132,400 salary and great perks, the Senate of Canada can be a pretty depressing place to work these days. With ongoing expense scandals and an RCMP investigation workplace morale is likely at an all-time low. Presumably this is why Canada’s upper chamber hired a motivational speaker to help rally the troops and weather the storm of infuriated taxpayers. Read More
MORE BLOGS

Tweets
BC Liberals

Recent Media
wF48KbgCoLM
/recent-media/manitoba-s-pst-hike-will-hurt-business

Manitoba's PST hike will hurt business

A number of business groups and the Canadian Taxpayers Federation have joined together to express their concerns about the damaging effects the proposed rate hike in the Manitoba PST will have on the economy.
di7kSw9pXpk
/recent-media/why-are-taxpayers-subsidizing-housing-for-the-wealthy-

Why are taxpayers subsidizing housing for the wealthy?

Using Freedom of Information Alberta Director Derek Fildebrandt discovers people earning as much as $172,000 a year are living in taxpayer subsidized housing.
JX_SJ9rz7tE
/recent-media/why-are-manitobans-moving-to-saskatchewan-

Why are Manitobans moving to Saskatchewan?

Prairie Director Colin Craig releases data showing Manitobans are moving to Saskatchewan in droves. He says Saskatchewan's lower taxes is a contributing factor.
pxZNN5O98-A
/recent-media/both-mps-and-senators-should-post-their-expenses-online

Both MPs and Senators should post their expenses online

CTF federal Director Gregory says both MPs and Senators should be required to post their expenses online. Gregory says its hypocritical for MPs to criticize Senator expenses when MPs are keep their expense claims hidden from public view.
tb1JFgaV3qM
/recent-media/maritime-gas-taxes-are-too-high

Maritime gas taxes are too high

Atlantic Director Kevin Lacey states Maritimers pay too much in gas taxes.
RT3qZpAInhg
/recent-media/how-to-increase-accountability-for-senators--expense-claims

How to increase accountability for Senators' expense claims

In this interview, CTF Alberta Director Derek Fildebrandt states one of the best ways to make Senators and MPs more accountable is by posting their expense claims online.
eCXP2yKXOZw
/recent-media/manitobans-protest-pst-hike

Manitobans protest PST hike

Manitobans gather in front of the provincial legislature to protest the government's planned PST hike.
Ay1bgoPYldo
/recent-media/post-senator-expenses-online

Post Senator Expenses Online

Federal director Gregory Thomas discusses questionable Senator expenses. Gregory says the solution to the problem is forcing Senators and MPs to post their expenses online.
SEqb4fZ11wM
/recent-media/high-gas-taxes-driving-british-columbians-south-of-the-border

High Gas Taxes Driving British Columbians South of the Border

CTF BC director Jordan Bateman says British Columbia's high gas taxes are causing people to go to the US to buy gas. He made the remarks as part of the CTF's annual Gas Tax Honesty Day held May 16, 2013.
b2vuu9Gd1J4
/recent-media/bc-election-results-in-costly-municipal-byelections

BC Election Results in Costly Municipal Byelections

The B.C. election saw several mayors and councillors move into the Legislature – now taxpayers are on the hook for a series of by-elections. But CTF's Jordan Bateman points out there is one Mayor/MLA elect, Penticton's Dan Ashton, who won't be a burden for taxpayers. From CBC News, May 15, 2013.
MJc4Uc21UAQ
/recent-media/questionable-senate-expense-claims

Questionable Senate Expense Claims

CTF Research Director Bergamini discusses the questionable expense claims made by Canadian Senators and provides a solution on how to fix the problem.
zLJXAmz9SLE
/recent-media/manitobans-protest-pst-hike-in-front-of-legislature

Manitobans protest PST hike in front of legislature

On May 2, 2013, angry Manitobans gathered in front of the provincial legislature to protest the proposed PST hike. During the provincial election campaign, Premier Greg Selinger had promised he would not raise the PST.
lh0QVexcwc4
/recent-media/alberta-government-considering-raising-beer-taxes

Alberta government considering raising beer taxes

The Alberta government is considering raising taxes on beer brewed outside of Alberta by small and medium sized brewers. Alberta Director Derek Fildebrandt comments.
Z7cLVTzHLZo
/recent-media/growing-opposition-to-pst-hike-in-manitoba

Growing opposition to PST hike in Manitoba

Opposition is growing towards the announced PST hike by the Manitoba government. What is particularly irking to taxpayers is Premier Selinger promised not the raise the PST in order to get elected.
Mf02OQLrfvk
/recent-media/taking-a-closer-look-at-the-bc-ndp-s-proposed-tax-hikes

Taking a closer look at the BC NDP's proposed tax hikes

CTF B.C. Director Jordan Bateman vettes the NDP's proposed tax hikes and digs into gold-plated MLA pensions and other politician perks.
kh_FyVKtkoA
/recent-media/retiring-bc-mlas-win--21-million-pension-lotto

Retiring BC MLAs win $21 million pension lotto

The CTF has calculated MLA pensions -- and 21 retiring MLAs will cost taxpayers $20 million in pension payouts.
XDvcz1OKnK4
/recent-media/manitoba-hydro-spends-money-to-defend-spending

Manitoba Hydro spends money to defend spending

Manitoba Hydro is taking to the airwaves to defend $20 billion in new spending. Prairie Director Colin Craig says instead of advertizing, Manitoba Hydro should be asking taxpayers if they want to be involved in this very risky investment that depends on U.S. buying electricity.
J-lVx0b0IAY
/recent-media/why-would-anyone-oppose-financial-accountability-for-indian-leadership-

Why would anyone oppose financial accountability for Indian leadership?

Native protestors showed up at news conference announcing the passing of Bill C-27. The protestors opposed this bill because it will require Native Chiefs and councilors to be more accountable and transparent about their salaries.
LHMvjQoZMuQ
/recent-media/bill-c-27-brings-transparency-to-spending-on-indian-reserves

Bill C-27 Brings Transparency to Spending on Indian Reserves

CTF attends news conference announcing the passing of Bill C-27 that requires Indian Bands to post their financial statements and Chief and councilor salaries online.
ZaFZfDPL254
/recent-media/ctf-discussed-in-alberta-legislature

CTF discussed in Alberta Legislature

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation and Scott Hennig, VP Communications and Derek Fildebrandt, Alberta Director were discussed in the Alberta Legislature surrounding the Alberta government's initial refusal to allow the CTF into the pre-budget lock up.
779YGRH3YJo
/recent-media/questionable-expenses-by-president-of-red-river-college

Questionable expenses by President of Red River College

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released FOI documents showing Manitoba's Red River College President Stephanie Forsyth expensed $205 for golf shoes, her driver's license, a bag at the Vancouver Airport for $134 and a number of expenses for her BMW; car washes, insurance, winter tires, a GPS, etc. Prairie Director Colin Craig comments.
P5nxj-0_pEM
/recent-media/only-20--pay-translink-fare-evasion-fines-12804

Only 20% pay TransLink fare evasion fines

After virtually ignoring fare evaders for decades, TransLink is seeing less than 20% of people pay their fare evasion fines. CTF B.C. Director Jordan Bateman says it's going to take a while for fare evaders to "unlearn" this behaviour.
MyKwWCYMSxI
/recent-media/what-should-be-done-with-pacific-carbon-trust-

What should be done with Pacific Carbon Trust?

CTF B.C. Director Jordan Bateman and independent Cariboo North MLA Bob Simpson have been fighting the wasteful Pacific Carbon Trust for a long time. Jordan asked Bob if he agrees with the CTF position that the Trust should be killed outright.
ZwMbI5Hvzno
/recent-media/private-and-public-sector-pay-in-alberta

Private and public sector pay in Alberta

Alberta director Derek Fildebrandt debates the problem of the huge pay gap between public and equivalent private sector employees.
s20L2-QMb1k
/recent-media/2013-teddy-awards---complete-verision

2013 Teddy Awards - complete verision

Full Version of 2013 Teddy Awards, honouring the best of the worst of government waste.
SDSUNXal574
/recent-media/2013-teddy-awards

2013 Teddy Awards

The CTF's Annual Teddy Awards honoring the best of the worst of government waste.
DAp__JlNkLk
/recent-media/alberta-government-backs-down%2C-lets-ctf-into-prebudget-meeting

Alberta government backs down, lets CTF into prebudget meeting

For the first time in 20 years, the Alberta government had decided not to allow the CTF into a pre-budget meeting to view the budget documents before they were released. However, after the story of the CTF's banishment gained media traction, the Alberta government relented and allowed Alberta Director Derek Fildebrandt to attend.
ddbEUko4sSc
/recent-media/ctf-locked-out-of-alberta-budget-briefing

CTF Locked Out of Alberta Budget Briefing

For the first time in 20 years, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation was locked out of the Alberta Government's budget briefing. Alberta Director Derek Fildebrandt comments.
0_kT9KfVaTQ
/recent-media/default

Will Premier Wynne fulfil her promise to balance the Ontario budget by 2017?

CTF Ontario Director Candice Malcolm discusses expectations of Ontario's new premier Kathleen Wynne. Prior to being elected, Wynned promised to balance the Ontario budget by 2017.
ZQm7owMs_Ig
/recent-media/denmark-s-failed-fat-tax-experiment

Denmark's failed fat tax experiment

With groups proposing governments implement a tax on items deemed fattening, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation invited Jens Klarskov -- head of Denmark's Chamber of Commerce -- to tour Canada explaining Denmark's failed fat tax experiment. Denmark had implement a tax on fattening foods and repealed it one year later.
Yx66pGzlXpk
/recent-media/discussing-alberta-s-fiscal-mess

Discussing Alberta's fiscal mess

CTF Alberta Director Derek Fildebrandt discusses Alberta's fiscal mess and Premier Redford's plans to address the province on TV to discuss the problem. The live address will be paid for by taxpayers.
YGDC_NKC7B0
/recent-media/transit-police-officer-left-explosives-on-a-commercial-jet-liner

Transit Police officer left explosives on a commercial jet liner

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation's B.C. Director Jordan Bateman uncovered a frightening incident where a Transit Police officer left explosives on a commercial jet liner following a dog training exercise -- and didn't notice for two full days. Global News, January 21, 2013.
mhlLZ1HBop0
/recent-media/should-politicians-moonlight-on-the-public-dime-

Should politicians moonlight on the public dime?

CTF Research Director Nick Bergamini comments on politicians charging fees to speak at events.
8Vld76C7maY
/recent-media/alberta-premier-calls-economic-summit-to-discuss-alberta-s-future

Alberta Premier calls economic summit to discuss Alberta's future

CTF Alberta Director Derek Fildebrant's address to the Premier's Economic Summit. He says the Alberta government must cut spending to return the province back to a sound fiscal footing.
FI0-vjW8uuw
/recent-media/ontario-loses-millions-in-tax-dollars-annually-to-sale-of-contraband-cigarettes-on-reserves

Ontario loses millions in tax dollars annually to sale of contraband cigarettes on reserves

CTF Alberta Director Derek Fildebrandt discusses the latest report showing the Ontario and federal governments are losing as much as $1.2 billion in tax revenue annually due to the illegal sale of contraband cigarettes on Indian reserves.
ZfXXoZRy6Bc
/recent-media/what-do-chiefs--earn-

What do Chiefs' earn?

Prairie Director Colin Craig discusses the various components of Chiefs' salaries.
QiVrGzHmaRo
/recent-media/how-much-is-chief-redman-earning-

How much is Chief Redman earning?

Prairie Director Colin Craig breaks down the salary of Chief Redman of the Standing Buffalo Reserve in Saskatchewan. Though the band has only 443 people, Redman pulls in a salary greater than the Prime Minister of Canada.
EJ_32MHFyTc
/recent-media/b.c.-s-year-end-tax-changes

B.C.'s Year End Tax Changes

B.C. Director Jordan Bateman discusses the numerous tax increases taxpayers in British Columbia will face in 2013.
hPa1onDSMTU
/recent-media/secret-tax-increase-in-manitoba

Secret tax increase in Manitoba

Prairie Director Colin Craig discusses the annual secret tax increase implemented by the Manitoba government because of "bracket creep."
ZnYFbl0Z0b4
/recent-media/federal-bureaucrats-costs-canadian-taxpayers--114%2C000-a-year

Federal bureaucrats costs Canadian taxpayers $114,000 a year

CTF Federal Director Gregory Thomas responds to a report that each bureaucrat in the federal government costs taxpayers on average $114,000 annually.
VIEW ALL MEDIA
FEATURED VIDEO
MORE VIDEOS
You have the power to change who influences politics in our country: big unions, big corporations and government-funded special interest groups can be challenged by the contributions of thousands of individual taxpayers who care to make a difference.

“Thanks for your efforts in keeping our governments honest and accountable”

Louise Guthrie | Donated $

“100% Disclosure and Transparency is the Government I want. What part of that don’t you understand? ”

| Donated $

“Please ask the Prime Minister's office to send me a cheque for $90,000. I have debts that need to be repaid as well.”

| Donated $

“Keep up the good work!”

| Donated $

“Keep up the good work.”

| Donated $

“number 1 priority – get rid of Harper. He is an embarrassment to Canadian politics,and a complete and utter political failure. he needs to be exposed as a conservative charlatan. let's make him a footnote in the annals of Canadian political history –ASAP”

Michael Lynch | Donated $

“Its doesn't matter who has the power, it what is done with power that matters. Money is power. Make sure it is in the right hands.”

Brett A. Rogers | Donated $

“We desperately need a second elected house: our members of parliament are gone and insulated from us for most of their 5 years, and the Senators owe nothing to the common voter. This system is only a pretense of democracy. ”

| Donated $

“Abolish the Canadian Senate. Promote Governance Ethics and Civic Moral.”

Nabil Belabbassi | Donated $ 105.00

“You campaign for abolishing the Senate, and your organization is toast!!! Why??? You are writing off the potential balance of producing areas of Canada in favor of the small but highest consuming areas!”

| Donated $

“With regard to the senate. The cost is far too high for the very small amount of benefit received. PS.: I am still trying to figure out what benefit ?”

| Donated $

“I am sure that you will do something responsable and productive with my donation unlike our irresponsable government.”

| Donated $

“The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is the best vehicle I know to strongly present the views of responsible Canadians before the politicians and media on the government's performance and direction that match my own.”

David DeGagne | Donated $ 19.00

“The 3 current members of the senate, being investigated should be removed from office immediatly, They were not elected, therefore the taxpayers owe them nothing. ”

| Donated $

“I prefer an elected Senate, with equal representation for each province. This would not require a large number of Senators, more is accomplished by a smaller group! We need a Senate to protect our democracy should a despotic government ever gain a majority in the House.”

| Donated $

“I am not pleased with what the Harper government has accomplished to date. I truly hope they keep the promises they have made now that they have a majority. ”

Joseph L Despins | Donated $

“Make Senators subject to the same Laws that the Citizens are subject to, and charge them with theft, fraud, or whatever is appropriate, with claiming false expenses. If they are guilty of cheating or fraud; terminate them, & take away their pensions.”

| Donated $

“The only way we can have an efficient elected Senate is to provide equal representation by region, which becomes a large constitutional issue that nobody is prepared to touch right now. A "second look" at legislation is absolutely necessary, so perhaps the Senate solution is for it to remain appointed - BUT with much more transparent financial controls, and appointments made by a bipartisan committee?”

| Donated $

“I'm fed up with the never-ending cycle of 'tax and spend' that has become the norm for all levels of government in Canada! It's time Canadian taxpayers voiced their displeasure loudly and clearly! ”

Willard Sing | Donated $

“I like the student promotion. Hopefully we see more reliable, well-informed initiatives to push for transparency and other improvements in our government!”

Claire Gougeon | Donated $

“We do not belong to any union or government payroll nor any organized special interest groups. All we ask is for fair and accountable government regardless of which political stripe is at the trough. And we are the Voting Majority !”

Jan Dickson | Donated $

“Canada is not an oligarchy! The hardworking taxpayers of this country are tired of be taken advantage of by elected officials and public sector unions. Lets all remind these people that they are employed by THE people and should be accountable to THE PEOPLE! Give Canada back to the people!!”

| Donated $

“We are conservative members but are dismayed at the lack of action by the Harper govt. on the Senate. It should either be abolished or made to be elected. Also the scandals are pathetic and all Senators should be made to have expenses examined and verified. Not happy with the gov't performance concerning Bill C 461. We appreciate the Canadian Taxpayers group for their diligence.”

| Donated $

“I'm with you with all my heart. You are saving Canada from the evils of socialism and cronyism. We need you like never before. I'll make sure to spread the word.”

David Simonov | Donated $ 9.00

“I received a call from CPC fundraising for continued support of Senate reform. They had no answers to why Senate expenses are not posted online, why bill C-461 (salary/job description of Federal employees) was gutted by the CPC, or why MP Brent Rathgeber resigned from the Conservative caucus. I told them to call back when they had these answers. Until then, my usual CPC donation is going to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. Sincerely, Justin F.”

| Donated $

“Provincial & Federal Politicians, Senators & Crown Corporations MUST be more accountable & transparent....there are too many scandals at all levels of government. ”

JOHN M VINCENT | Donated $

“Keep up the courageous work to keep all informed and FIX the system that is so badly broken.”

Dan Mandziuk | Donated $

JOIN US

Join with over 81,000 Canadian taxpayers and receive Action Updates and receive access to the supporter section of the website.

RECEIVE THE TAXPAYER MAGAZINE!

“False Alarms”“Message Delivered”
The Taxpayer
FIND OUT HOW TO GET IT
FACEBOOK
TWITTER
taxpayer
PINTEREST
Taxpayer
Follow Me on Pinterest

Taxpayers charged $150,000 to answer a question from an MP

Mayor Jason Carter says councillors and the village administrator drink at the village office after public meetings with booze paid by taxpayers.

Mary Walsh, left, talks to Toronto Councillor Doug Ford at Toronto City Hall. (CBC)

City councillors voted 6-1 March 15 to spend approximately $74,000 to purchase the propeller from Van Heyghen Recycling in Belgium.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released documents today showing the cost of negotiating dams in northern Manitoba has now skyrocketed to $220 million ($223,600,000 including Bipole III). In the past, whistleblowers raised concerns about some of the funds being used to pay people to attend meetings and door prizes such as Xboxes, TVs and deepfreezes.

The Canadian government is wasting $28 million on remembering the War of 1812--including $1 million in B.C., 4,000 kms away from any battle site.

A photo of an unidentified Niagara Regional Police officer, apparently asleep in her cruiser, has become a local Internet sensation. The undated photo taken at an unidentified location shows a blond police officer sitting in her unlocked cruiser, hands folded across her lap, mouth open, evidently asleep.

CANADA'S FEDERAL DEBT

YOUR SHARE

Visit debtclock.ca