CTF Submission


Victoria: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) submitted its brief to the TransLink Governance Review Panel, urging the dysfunctional, unelected and unaffordable regional transportation body be scrapped.

"TransLink has suffered from problems since day one. Its members are not directly elected nor can they be relied upon to come up with a long term, sustainable transportation plan for the region. In terms of its delegated responsibilities TransLink has failed," said Sara MacIntyre, BC director for the CTF.

The Minister of Transportation has appointed a three-person panel to review the governance of TransLink and to make recommendations regarding the regional board's responsibilities, authorities and revenue raising powers.

"The regional transportation board has blurred lines of accountability. Citizens and voters are left guessing who is responsible for what and wondering why their tax bills keep rising. The most recent debacle, when TransLink began taxing non-residential "parking areas" is evidence that responsibility is a cat and mouse game between the province and TransLink, leaving taxpayers to foot the bill," noted MacIntyre.

"The provincial government is responsible for transportation. Devolving powers to an unelected body, does not absolve the government of its obligations. The CTF is recommending TransLink be divested of its powers to tax, set policy and make programming decisions. The provincial government should follow with a financial review of all of TransLink's operations and identify cost saving measures, such as contracting out or privatization. The region needs a transportation plan that is stable, sustainable and affordable, TransLink has been unable or unwilling to fulfill its obligations and should be scrapped," concluded MacIntyre.