The Canadian Taxpayers Federation is demanding the Lantz government regain control of soaring capital project costs, following a new auditor general report that found government construction routinely come in far over budget.

“The auditor general just confirmed what taxpayers already know: The Lantz government can’t build anything on budget,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director. “With debt already out of control, Lantz cannot keep approving half-baked projects and letting costs spiral.”

Eleven of the 12 projects examined by the auditor general came in over budget. Overall costs grew from $81.5 million to $150.6 million, an 85 per cent overrun.

Nearly half those overruns, $29 million, were identified before construction started. Government had no minimum planning standards before approving the projects.

Not one post-completion review was completed for any of the 12 projects, despite Treasury Board requiring them within one year of completion.

“The Lantz government can’t tell Islanders what projects cost before they start and it won’t review them after they finish,” said Drover. “That’s not responsible government, but a blank cheque paid by taxpayers.”

This comes as the the Lantz government is borrowing $410 million in 2026. The government is increasing the debt by nearly 20 per cent in one year.

Interest charges now cost taxpayers $201 million annually. That’s about $1,100 per Islander.

“Island families have to live within their means, but the Lantz government’s capital spending is out of control and it’s irresponsibly running up the government debt,” said Drover. “Lantz must fix how capital projects are planned and stop putting taxpayers on the hook for costs that keep spiralling out of control.”

The CTF is calling on the Lantz government to immediately implement the auditor general’s four recommendations, including establishing minimum planning standards before projects enter the capital budget and completing all overdue post-completion reviews.