CTF Applauds Gilchrist's Actions, Issues Guidelines for Special Advisor --

OTTAWA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reacted to yesterday's announcement by Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Gilchrist that Ottawa-Carleton will be restructured in time for the next round of municipal elections in November 2000.

"After four years of dithering with Mr. Leach at the helm, Mr. Gilchrist has taken the bull by the horns and is attempting to solve our governance problem," said CTF federal director Walter Robinson. "We will be seeking a meeting with the Ottawa region special advisor once he or she is appointed."

"Sadly, the debate continues to focus on numbers of politicians, numbers of city halls and who will get what powers. We've expended 80% of our energy on 20% of the problem," said Robinson. "The real savings for taxpayers lie in restructuring service delivery. Once we get municipal government to focus on its core responsibilities, the consequent structure of government will be obvious."

The CTF released a list of three guiding principles that should guide the "special advisor" in his/her deliberations for the restructuring recommendations that will be forwarded to the Minister:

• Savings are in Services. Policy, planning and operations best describe the role of municipal government and operations (ie: services) account for the bulk of municipal budgets. The special advisor must forward options for service delivery, which include outright privatization, contracting-out, engaging not-for-profit community agencies and/or using employee takeover corporations.
• Transparency is Paramount. Regardless of the model selected, taxpayers must be made aware of the transition costs, labour attrition obligations, linguistic considerations and ramp-up costs for the new governance model. Realistic estimates of these costs are mandatory.
  
• Courage is Necessary. The "special advisor" must not fear recommending changes or reversals in provincial policy (eg: uploading responsibility for social services to the province) in his/her recommendations to the province.
  
  "What is important now is that our local elected leaders provide absolute disclosure and fully cooperate with the special advisor," concluded Robinson. "Indeed, such an approach will be a refreshing change from their past behaviour."