As the provincial Progressive Conservatives and Liberals are looking for a new leader, and as others are considering a new party, now’s the perfect time for a refreshing change.
With an election three and a half years out, it’s doubtful any leadership candidate or a new party will come out with a detailed platform anytime soon. However, at the very least, they should agree to these five principles.
First, government shouldn’t try and be all things to all people. Those wanting to be premiers should tell us they would focus government attention and resources on core services like health care, education, justice and improving our highways. Tell us that luxury spending for things like new $100,000 statues will be put on the back burner.
Further, people don’t want to hear about new spending or “investments,” they want to hear about results. They want to hear that waiting times for surgeries are coming down, provincial highways have fewer potholes and fewer people are getting stabbed by criminals. People want to know that children are learning important skills and getting better grades. Tell us how you would achieve such results.
Second, the government should fund core services, but it doesn’t have to use government employees to do the work. For example, if the government could find a company to clean its offices for a lower cost, then it should hire them. Government unions shouldn’t have a monopoly on services; everyone should have a fair chance to bid for them.
Third, by opening up services to competition, the government can save money and stop increasing our provinces debt by $50 per second. Why is the debt a problem? Well, take a look at countries like Greece, who are cutting back on health care because their credit is shot.
No one wants to loan them money because there’s too much risk the money won’t be repaid.
Better spending control can not only help tackle our provincial government’s debt problem, taxes could come down to more reasonable levels. And don’t kid yourself; people want lower taxes – ones that are competitive with our neighbours in Saskatchewan, British Columbia and Alberta. After all, our province is rich in resources too – why should we continue to have much higher taxes, lower growth and lower wages?
Fourth, it’s irresponsible for our provincial government to think it can depend on financial aid from wealthy provinces forever. Almost 20 per cent of your last visit to a doctor was paid for by people in other provinces. That’s about as responsible as depending on a wealthy uncle to pay half your mortgage. What happens if your uncle says no or passes away?
Finally, no more passing the buck. When a politician or government employee makes a huge mistake, they should be held accountable. For instance, far too often government capital projects come in way over budget and everyone just seems to shrug their shoulders.
Similarly, when tax dollars are spent, taxpayers deserve to know what they are used for. Journalists and watch dog organizations like ours are often refused basic information from the government. That needs to change.
If you like these ideas, forward them to a leadership contender. If you don’t...well, get used to the status quo.
Colin Craig is the Prairie Director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation
