Yesterday, the BC Liberal Government delivered its latest Speech from the Throne, the first since Christy Clark took over as Premier earlier this year. Your Canadian Taxpayers Federation was on hand, and here’s what taxpayers need to know:

The Good

We are very happy to hear the government promise a “review of the operations of all Crown corporations to begin in January, 2012.” We hope the government uses last summer’s thorough review of BC Hydro as a template, as tighter scrutiny of BC’s Crown corporations is desperately needed. The Hydro review exposed bloated staffing numbers, escalating salaries and benefits, and a structure where 99% of employees got performance bonuses. The review slashed proposed BC Hydro rate increases by more than half. On this overall review, we say the sooner the better.

The other significant news is that government will not back down on its promise to bring in a Municipal Auditor General. Despite a rough ride from civic politicians last week at the Union of BC Municipalities meetings, MAG legislation is on the agenda for the fall. This is welcome news for taxpayers looking for more accountability at all levels of government.

New legislation to modernize the BC College of Teachers is also long overdue. As the Speech said, “The government is also committed to safer schools and will ensure that those very few individuals who abuse their positions of trust are removed and not permitted to return.” Hear, hear. The thought of individuals mistreating kids but still being paid by taxpayers to teach is sickening.

The Bad

There was nary a mention of balancing the budget. That’s cause for concern, as Budget 2012 will need to make significant strides forward if the BC Liberals plan to meet their balanced budget promise by 2013.

The Throne Speech repeated the BC Jobs Plan, which, while modest by worldwide stimulus standards, still puts $300 million taxpayer dollars toward corporate welfare. For example, take this promise, “investing $24 million across our natural resource ministries over two years in order to eliminate the backlog in key authorizations that are preventing projects from proceeding.” Instead of spending $24 million to bulk up bureaucracy, cut red tape to get these projects flowing faster.

There were several promises that will no doubt cost taxpayers, and will bear close scrutiny throughout the rest of the session: “modernizing education,” televising Stanley Cup riot trials (assuming someone ever gets charged), and various boards and committees.

The Good-Or-Bad-Depending-On-If-You’re-Paying-Or-Not

BC will have a new holiday, Families Day, beginning in February 2013. Some people will like it, while employers were already bristling moments after it was announced (it was part of the Clark’s leadership campaign promises). There is no doubt that there will be a cost to the BC economy.

The Wait-and-See

Changes to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act were promised, in an effort to “modernize” the Act. Any time there is tinkering with FOI, organizations and media get a bit nervous, as we use FOI to gain access to government documents for a variety of purposes. You can bet this legislation will be closely watched.