WINNIPEG: Efforts by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) have resulted in a halt to future "spa days" by agencies that receive funding from the Department of Family Services and Housing.

"Spa Day" was held by the "All Nations Coordinated Response Network" this past May. Tarot card reading, manicures, pedicures, make-up lessons and cooking lessons were some of the activities provided to employees during the agency's "spa day". The All Nations Coordinated Response Network is an agency that is funded by government grants.

After the CTF filed information requests, the agency was told it could not use taxpayer dollars to pay the $2,292.81 bill for the inappropriate activities. Instead, the agency will have to fundraise in order to pay for the services provided to staff.

"It is just not in the cards for taxpayers to have to foot the bill for social workers to receive tarot card readings, manicures, pedicures and other non-work related services" said CTF Manitoba Director Colin Craig. "After the CTF raised this issue with the department, taxpayers will no longer be on the hook for paying for these services."

However, on top of the $2,292.81 bill for the services are thousands of tax dollars that were used to pay the salaries of agency employees during the "spa" activities. Craig noted that those tax dollars will not be recovered.

The CTF met with Family Services Gord Mackintosh to discuss the issue and is pleased with his assurance that taxpayers will not foot the bill for the services. Further, he committed to ensure such activities do not happen 'on the clock' again in the future.

 To view the government's freedom of information response, click here.