The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is demanding the Houston government regain control of soaring paving costs, following a new auditor general report that found government projects routinely come in over budget.

“The auditor general just confirmed what taxpayers already know: The Houston government can’t build anything on budget,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director. “With debt already out of control, Premier Tim Houston cannot keep letting paving costs spiral.”

The Houston government budgeted about $634 million for paving work over the last five years, but spent almost $850 million. That’s $215 million in over-budget spending or about $118,000 every single day for five years.

The report also found that the government is not making evidence-based decisions when selecting and prioritizing pavement projects, while many roads remain in poor condition.

“Provincial roads are in rough shape even after the Houston government blew through its paving budget,” said Drover. “Taxpayers are paying top dollar for bottom-of-the-barrel roads and the government can’t explain how it picks which roads get fixed.”

The paving overruns come as the Houston government sinks deeper into debt. The provincial government is projected to borrow more than $1.4 billion this year. Interest charges on the debt will cost taxpayers more than $1 billion this year or about $2.8 million every day.

“Houston is blowing his budgets on everything from paving to program spending and sending the bill to tomorrow’s taxpayers,” said Drover. “Nova Scotians can’t afford a government that treats its budget like a suggestion.

“Houston needs to rein in spending, stop borrowing money and show taxpayers they’re getting value for every dollar spent.”