CBC’s president and CEO, Catherine Tait, has claimed the top spot on the Canadian Taxpayers Federation’s Naughty List, an annual ranking of public officials accused of squandering public funds.
Tait’s inclusion comes as she faces scrutiny for announcing job cuts for hundreds of CBC employees just weeks before Christmas, coupled with her decision to retain executive bonuses for herself and other top staff.
Franco Terrazzano, the federal director of the CTF, lambasted Tait’s actions accusing CBC’s management of taking money from taxpayers while leaving workers unemployed.
“It takes a special type of Scrooge to lay off hundreds of employees weeks before the holidays and not be willing to give up your own bonus, but that’s exactly what taxpayers heard from CBC big shots,” said Terrazzano.
Joining Tait on the Naughty List are Senator Pierre Dalphond, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston.
Dalphond faces backlash for delaying and diluting the carbon tax exemption for farmers, drawing ire from the taxpayers’ group.
Trudeau was criticized for offering carbon tax relief exclusively to furnace oil users, while neglecting other forms of home heating.
Premier Houston made the list for using inflation as an excuse to raise income taxes in Nova Scotia.
On the flip side, the Taxpayer Nice List recognized individuals who have championed responsible financial practices.
Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew earned praise for reducing fuel and income taxes, putting more money into the hands of Manitobans.
The Parliamentary Budget Officer was commended for enhancing accountability and transparency in Ottawa, uncovering instances of government waste and mismanagement.
In Alberta, Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi found themselves on the Naughty List for increasing property taxes while giving themselves a pay raise.
Conversely, the village of Ryley secured a spot on the Nice List for utilizing recall legislation to oust a spendthrift politician from office.
“’Tis the season for giving, but Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi shouldn’t be giving their residents steep tax hikes while they give themselves a raise,” said CTF Alberta Director Kris Sims.
“The entire Alberta village of Ryley made Santa’s good books for using recall legislation to boot a big-spending politician.”
