OTTAWA, ON. (NEWS 1130) – Canada’s birthday bash apparently comes with a hefty price tag. One taxpayer watchdog group is criticizing the Trudeau government for spending so much cash to mark the 150th anniversary of confederation.
To celebrate Canada’s sesquicentennial the federal government is shelling out half-a-billion dollars on everything from community events and infrastructure, to a big Canada Day bash on Parliament Hill.
However, Aaron Wudrick with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation says at a time of deficits, this bill is simply too much. “I don’t think anyone wants to be a party pooper. It’s a year to celebrate, it’s a birthday party but at the same time it doesn’t mean you spend money for the sake of spending money.”
He adds there is a lot of fat to be trimmed, especially on events most Canadians won’t take part in, like a cross country RV tour so people can sit on a red couch and talk about our country, or a comedy show tour. “If there are projects that would not otherwise be funded but for the fact it’s a birthday party — those are sorts of things to look at,” adds Wudrick.
A spokesperson for the heritage minister defends the cost saying this anniversary is a unique opportunity, and they want to engage Canadians from coast to coast to coast with events and initiatives that will create a lasting economic, cultural and social legacy.