VANCOUVER, B.C.: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling the new accountability rules for provincial Crown Corporations a welcome step forward for taxpayers, but note they should be extended to municipalities and regional districts.

Premier Christy Clark unveiled new Taxpayer Accountability Principles today, committing Crown Corporations and other provincial government agencies to a higher level of cost-consciousness, more accountability, cost-efficient services, and transparent, ethical decision-making processes.

“Bringing Crown Corporations and government agencies back into line with the wishes of taxpayers is a welcome and necessary step forward,” said Jordan Bateman, B.C. Director for the CTF, noting the CTF’s 2014 B.C. Budget submission was called Reining in the Crowns. “All too often, taxpayers have been mystified and embarrassed by the decisions and actions of some of these boards and executives, as they pad pay packages, bloat bonuses, and hand down policy decisions that hurt communities seemingly without consultation or concern.”

The Taxpayer Accountability Principles apply to provincial agencies, but Bateman called on Clark to extend the policy to local governments and regional districts.

“The Premier shouldn’t stop at provincial agencies – these principles should be encouraged at every level of government,” said Bateman. “Municipalities and especially regional districts seem to have disconnected themselves from the wishes and expectations of everyday British Columbians. It’s time to rein them in.” 

The CTF also encouraged Clark to ensure that expense receipts of senior executives and board members were posted online as part of this accountability pledge. MLA expense receipts will be posted online beginning this fall, after years of the CTF pushing for more disclosure.

“If the Premier truly wants a ‘cultural shift’ to a cost-conscious and efficient government, deputy minister, political staff, executive and board expenses should be posted online for everyone to see,” said Bateman. “Alberta does it, and it would reinforce the idea that sunshine is the best disinfectant. It’s time to let the light of public interest into these backrooms.”