REGINA, SK: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on Manitoba Crown corporations to provide real transparency for travel expenses. Currently, Crown travel expenses can only be requested through freedom of information applications, as Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries and Manitoba Public Insurance do not proactively disclose expenses.

“At bare minimum, these Crowns should be providing the costs for each trip, which is the policy followed by both the federal and provincial government,” said CTF Prairie Director Todd MacKay. “Even better, the Crowns could be truly transparent by following City of Toronto’s example and simply posting all of its travel receipts online.”

Manitoba Crowns have internal accountability systems as well as external audits that monitor travel expenses along with numerous other financial items. However, taxpayers do not have ready access to this information.

“Travel is a normal part of business, but the only way assess the value of each trip is to know the costs,” said MacKay. “The Crowns shouldn’t wait for taxpayers to ask to see the bills, they need to release that information proactively.”

To demonstrate this level of transparency is easy and achievable, MacKay is posting the travel expenses associated with his previous roles in both the federal and Saskatchewan provincial government on Taxpayer.com. Over the span of more than five years, MacKay participated in dozens of trade missions, and is now disclosing more than 380 pages of receipts and travel documents.

“All you need is Internet access and a scanner and it’s is easy to prove that all of your expenses are absolutely above board,” said MacKay. “This is an opportunity for Manitoba Crowns to provide the province’s taxpayers with true accountability.”

Todd’s expenses can be found here: 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011/2012.