Let’s not think of the dreaded “t” word that ends in “axes” during the holiday season.  Instead, consider nine initiatives that could be pursued by the provincial government in 2009 that require next to no public dollars, yet help the economy and taxpayers.

For starters, why not encourage businesses to build and operate new hydro dams in our province.  This doesn’t mean selling off Manitoba Hydro, but rather allowing private companies to come into Manitoba, spend billions on building dams, create new jobs and pay annual taxes towards government services.  

Critics will immediately oppose the idea and argue that hydro development is our equivalent to Alberta’s oil and that we shouldn’t give it away.  They’re right.  However, hydro development in Manitoba has been moving at the same pace as a snail with an elephant on its back.  Let’s give the private sector a chance to move development forward while paying royalties to the province for the right to use our waterways.

But don’t stop there.  It’s also time to take the shackles off private health care in Manitoba.  This doesn’t mean dismantling the public system, but rather allowing the existing private system to deliver even more services.  After all, dentists, chiropractors and physiotherapists already operate private clinics.  Why restrict the list of services?  

Manitobans who currently drive and fly to the U.S. for access to timely health care, could instead spend those dollars right here in our province.  Besides, wouldn’t the government want to encourage citizens to reduce their “carbon footprint” caused by driving and flying around?

Initiatives three and four are simple – allow choice when it comes to purchasing automobile insurance and alcohol.  It’s time to loosen the monopoly-like grips that MPI and the MLCC  have on their respective industries by allowing the private sector to expand in these markets.  

Number five is also fairly straight forward – lift the ban on building new hog barns in Manitoba.  If a farm has a waste disposal problem, the government should work with the farmer to address it.  Certainly the entire industry doesn’t need to be punished.  Even scientists hired by the government agree with this approach.  

Next up is democratic reform.  As the Premier has publicly committed to senate reform consultations, certainly the meetings could also solicit ideas for improving our own provincial democratic system.  “Recall” could be one potential items for discussion.  Imagine how accountable politicians would become if they knew voters could fire them before their term ends.

Number seven could actually save taxpayers billions.  Similar to a recent city of Winnipeg commission, the province could strike an all-party committee to look at ways to save money and stretch existing tax dollars.  In solidarity, the all-party committee could even tackle the “sacred” divide between what public sector employees earn and those that pay their salaries in the private sector.

Number eight is pretty straight forward – bring back the requirement for a balanced budget each and every year.  This aspect was watered down during the last session when new legislation was introduced.

Last but not least, why not follow in the footsteps of Toronto’s city council and introduce a $500 cap on expensed food in Ministers’ and Deputy Ministers’ offices.  For the 2007-08 fiscal year, that would have saved taxpayers over $90,000.  

Now there’s some food for thought.
 
 
Colin Craig
Manitoba Director
 
 
'Let's Talk Taxes' is a free commentary provided every two weeks to media outlets and opinion leaders by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF).  The CTF is Canada's leading non-partisan citizens' advocacy group fighting for lower taxes, less waste and accountable government.  Founded in 1990, the CTF has 60,000 supporters and 7 offices across Canada.  The CTF is funded by free-will, non tax-receiptable contributions.
 
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