• BAD: Government-run hospital cafeterias in Manitoba lost $4.5 million from 2010-12
• GOOD: Victoria General Hospital partnered with a private business and turned $186,851 loss into $25,593 gain; other RHAs should do same and look at partnerships

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released analysis today showing most government-run hospital cafeterias are losing money selling chocolate bars, muffins, sandwiches, juice and other snacks. According to Freedom of Information (FOI) data obtained by the CTF, government-run hospitals lost $2.3 million in 2011-12 and $2.2 million in 2010-11.

Victoria General Hospital (Wpg) showed how reform can save taxpayers money. The hospital turned a $186,851 loss in 2011-12 into a $25,591 gain in 2012-13 after it partnered with a private business; an improvement of $212,442.

“To save taxpayers money, more hospitals should follow Victoria General Hospital’s lead and look at partnering with businesses for cafeteria operations,” said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. “Instead of losing money selling chocolate bars and sandwiches, the savings could have been used to help avoid the PST increase or pay for frontline services.”

“A million here and a million there, and pretty soon you’re talking big bucks,” added Craig.