EN FR

We're Number One

Author: Walter Robinson 1999/07/13
WE'RE NUMBER ONE, WE'RE NUMBER ONE, so says the United Nations human development index (HDI). The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has its own version of the HDI. But in our case it stands for Horrible Doofus Initiatives.

Unlike the esteemed world body, no great methodological sophistication is required to calculate our HDI. Nope, just a keen sense for rooting out waste and a few newspapers are all that is required.

"Canada signs on to aid pro teams", reported the Ottawa Citizen on July 10th. The federal government will spend $2.4 million from its advertising budget during the forthcoming NHL and CFL seasons to plaster sports venues with the official Canada wordmark as seen here., reported the Ottawa Citizen on July 10th. The federal government will spend $2.4 million from its advertising budget during the forthcoming NHL and CFL seasons to plaster sports venues with the official Canada wordmark as seen here.

Included in this deal is putting the wordmark on CFL helmets. But why stop there How about goalie masks in the NHL Why not strike a deal with a soft drink company and put the wordmark on drink cups Or better yet, "tonight's Government of Canada three stars are -"

One Cabinet Minister stated that Canadians like to see the government promoting itself at sports and cultural events. We beg to differ. What Canadians want to see is a government that shows respect for the labour of taxpayers by spending tax dollars wisely. The visible wordmark at 3rd down and 7 earns a yellow flag.



"Liberals to promote 'Canada' as a brand", leaped out of the July 12th edition of the Globe and Mail. Ottawa plans to spend $1.7 million to "double the number of brightly lit Canada signs on top of federal buildings across the country." The feds have already dropped a cool $1.6 million plastering some 60 or so federal buildings with these signs.

As part of a "millennium phase", another 57 buildings are slated for illuminated logos. The bureaucrat in charge of the program equated it to IBM hanging out its shingle on one of their buildings. Bad example buddy - it was IBM that just received $33 million from the feds in corporate welfare!

A quick glance around Ottawa points to the lunacy of this strategy. A big Canada sign now adorns DND headquarters downtown. If only the feds could find a way to spend money inside the building on decent salaries and equipment for our forces personnel instead. But the ultimate proof that this "brand loyalty" strategy won't work is the choice for sign placement in southern Ottawa. A big Canada wordmark now adorns the Revenue Canada taxation centre. This one needs no explanation. But wait, there's more -



"$5.4M Used to Spruce Up Official Residences." The National Post (July 13th) reports that $5.4 million will be used to maintain and renovate six official residences. Now any house needs constant work and upkeep, but the feds need some help spinning this expense. A spokesman defended the expense as follows: The National Post (July 13th) reports that $5.4 million will be used to maintain and renovate six official residences. Now any house needs constant work and upkeep, but the feds need some help spinning this expense. A spokesman defended the expense as follows:

"Look at the emergency generators, for example. When there is a state function at Rideau Hall, if there is an order of Canada [ceremony], could you imagine if there was some kind of electrical power shortage You'd have all these people in there in darkness." We have an emergency generator at my house, it's called a flashlight. And the Governor General's residence wouldn't be our first choice for generators.

Besides, Order of Canada festivities are usually held in the daytime in the big Rideau Hall ballroom which is chalk full of huge bay windows that let in lots of light.

Yep, the CTF HDI index proves that Canada is definitely #1 when it comes to wasting money. All together now, WE'RE NUMBER ONE, WE'RE NUMBER ONE!

Join now to get the Taxpayer newsletter

Franco Terrazzano
Federal Director at
Canadian Taxpayers
Federation

Join now to get the Taxpayer newsletter

Hey, it’s Franco.

Did you know that you can get the inside scoop right from my notebook each week? I’ll share hilarious and infuriating stories the media usually misses with you every week so you can hold politicians accountable.

You can sign up for the Taxpayer Update Newsletter now

Looks good!
Please enter a valid email address

We take data security and privacy seriously. Your information will be kept safe.

<