The head of Canada’s public broadcaster has been among those serving up lumps of coal to Canadians.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation’s annual “Taxpayer Naughty and Nice list” has given CBC CEO Catherine Tait the top spot in the Naughty column for handing out “Santa-sized” executive bonuses that dwarf the average Canadian’s salary, especially at a time of financial pressure across the country for most people.
“Santa doesn’t like it when girls and boys are greedy, and forcing struggling taxpayers to pay for Santa-sized executive bonuses is as greedy as it gets,” said Franco Terrazzano, federal director of the CTF. “While Canadians are tightening their belts, CBC executives are living large.”
But Tait isn’t alone in the Naughty corner. Global Affairs Canada also made the list after racking up a jaw-dropping $51,000 a month in booze-related expenses. “Santa likes eggnog as much as the next guy, but even he knows Global Affairs Canada is sipping on a little too much Christmas spirit,” Terrazzano said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Ontario Premier Doug Ford didn’t escape the Naughty List either. Trudeau earned his spot for raising the cost of living with his controversial carbon tax, while Ford’s embrace of political welfare made him an easy target.
And let’s not forget Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham, who also joined the ranks for failing to keep his word on property tax increases, a promise that seemed to evaporate faster than a snowflake in the summer.
But don’t worry — not everyone’s been naughty. The Taxpayer Nice List highlights those who’ve shown a little extra holiday spirit with their fiscal responsibility.
Rowan Caseley, the former mayor of Kensington, is at the top of the Nice List after resigning over wasteful spending, ultimately saving taxpayers money. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey also earned a spot for his decision to cut gas taxes, much to the delight of drivers.
In the provincial corners, Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith were recognized for their efforts to fight Trudeau’s carbon tax, earning praise from Santa for their commitment to protecting their constituents’ wallets.
“Santa is getting hammered by carbon tax bills on his reindeer barn, so Prime Minister Justin Trudeau lands on the Naughty List for making everything more expensive with his carbon tax,” said Kris Sims, CTF’s Alberta director. “Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe made Santa’s good books for taking action against Trudeau’s carbon tax.”
Finally, Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux is getting a well-deserved mention on the Nice List, with the CTF praising his unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.
So, as you prepare for the holiday season, it might be worth considering whether you’re on the naughty or nice list — or if your actions could land you on next year’s edition. But if you’re looking for a little extra cheer, it might be time to follow the lead of those on the Nice List and spread some fiscal goodwill this holiday season.
Full 2024 Taxpayer Naughty and Nice List:
Naughty List:
- CBC President & CEO Catherine Tait
- Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
- Ontario Premier Doug Ford
- Global Affairs Canada
- Winnipeg Mayor Scott Gillingham
- The entire federal bureaucracy
Nice List:
- Former Kensington Mayor Rowan Caseley
- Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe
- Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey
- Alberta Premier Danielle Smith
- Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux
