$4 Million Spent on Lip Balm, Golf Balls & Manicure Sets
- CTF Uncovers Millions Spent on Promo Items
Winnipeg: Freedom of Information requests filed by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) have revealed that various provincial government agencies, boards and crown corporations have spent over $4.1 million on promotional give away items over the last four years.
"Why does the Workers Compensation Board need to hand out promotional manicure sets and flying discs " asked CTF Manitoba director Colin Craig. "Unlike a business, they're not competing with anyone. Golf balls, golf shirts, stress balls, knives, fleece jackets, BBQ sets and coolers on wheels are examples of other products handed out by government agencies."
In June, the CTF sent Freedom of Information requests to each provincial government agency, board and crown corporation. Perhaps most startling about the responses is that the $4.1 million figure does not include government departments or the MLCC. The CTF is awaiting responses from provincial departments.
"Some of the expenditures may be appropriate, however most of it is unnecessary" said Craig. "By definition, government monopolies don't need to compete or promote their brand the same way that businesses do. Brochures that explain services are appropriate, but tax dollars shouldn't be wasted on things like BBQ sets, golf jackets and bouncy balls."
The CTF is calling for an elimination of expenditures on all unnecessary spending on promotional items.
Highlights from the FOIs:
- Workers Compensation Board - Golf balls - $8,285
- Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation - BBQ Sets - $1,489
- Workers Compensation Board - Manicure sets - $300
- WRHA - Bouncing balls, lip balm, "splatter heads", etc - $35,588
- Communities Economic Dev. Fund - Pocket Knives - $695
- Manitoba Gaming Control Commission - Golf shirts and jackets - $18,924
Top Five Promo Spenders:
- Manitoba Hydro - $1,920,000
- Manitoba Lotteries - $1,107,497
- Manitoba Public Insurance - $780,000
- Workers Compensation Board - $194,714
- Manitoba Agricultural Services - $63,314
Each agency's response can be viewed here:
Addictions Foundation of Manitoba Burntwood Regional Health AuthorityCommunities Economic Development FundCentral Regional Health AuthorityCredit Union Deposit Guarantee Corporation Legal Aid ManitobaManitoba Agricultural Services CorporationManitoba Cattle Enhancement CouncilManitoba Gaming Control CommissionManitoba Human Rights Commission Manitoba HydroManitoba Lotteries Corporation Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)Manitoba Regional Health AuthorityWorkers Compensation Board (WCB)Winnipeg Regional Health Authority (WRHA)