VANCOUVER: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reacted with shock at the 500% increase in meeting fees, the 150% increase in the retainer paid to the Chair, and the establishment of a $25,000 retainer paid to each director when none existed before, announced after the TransLink board's inaugural closed-door meeting on February 5. The provincial government's attempt to increase TransLink's public accountability and enhance its transparency with a new governance structure is off to a shaky start.

"It's obvious now why the new board wanted to have its meetings in secret," said Maureen Bader, BC Director of the CTF. "If this is any indication of the size of TransLink's future property and gasoline tax hikes, hold on to your wallets!"

TransLink's previous Board of Directors cost taxpayers about $124,000 in 2006. In 2008, new board chair Dale Parker will earn $100,000, almost the equivalent of the entire amount paid to the previous board. Each of the remaining eight directors get a minimum of $25,000. Once committee participation and the number of meetings attended are tallied, The cost to the taxpayer for TransLink's new Board of Directors will be a minimum of $437,200 for 2008, more than three and a half times the 2006 cost.

"The CTF sent a letter to Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon two weeks ago requesting clarification on the Liberal's 2001 election platform commitment to hold a referendum before imposing any new TransLink taxes or levies," said Bader. "The CTF has not as yet received a response to the letter but in light of the offensive pay grab and the new board's arrogance, such a clarification will be critical going forward."

"The pay decision was made by an appointed panel and not vetted by the Mayor's Council that the Board answers to," said Bader." "TransLink is a public institution, funded overwhelmingly by taxpayers. Unelected officials should not be taxing citizens, so any decision with tax implications must be put to a referendum."