To the editor:
I have just received Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod's householder, highlighting the great benefits of "Economic Action Plan 2013."
I might find it more credible if the Conservatives could account for the $3.1 billion unaccounted for up to 2009. We can't know how much has gone missing since then, because in 2010, the Treasury Board (which is headed by Tony Clement whom, as we all recall, spent $55 million on outdoor bathroom facilities and gazebos in his own riding from funds allocated to border security) approved the Terrorism Secretariat’s request to end the government-wide reporting requirements on its spending.
It would be more credible if the Conservatives would collect the $29 billion in income taxes owed.
It would certainly be more credible if the $2.4 billion paid for outside consultants hired by the federal government came with an explanation for the work done. Despite Treasury Board guidelines requiring it, Mr. Clement refuses to give that explanation.
It might be more credible if the guidelines issued by the Treasury Board that state government ads are supposed to inform citizens about programs and services were followed.
Unfortunately, the $113 million of taxpayers' money Harper has spent on ads since 2009 don't generally do that. The ads currently being run during the NHL playoffs contain no new initiatives or measures.
I realize Mrs. McLeod is simply parroting Harper talking points, but her householder has to be suspect, because how would we know the truth?
When $3.1 billion dollars can "go missing" with no documentation available to the Auditor General, when the government won't explain about billions paid to outside consultants, when millions are spent on television ads that say nothing, how can we possibly believe what we are told?
I'll bet Mrs. McLeod wishes the $13-billion surplus her government inherited in 2006, and frittered away on swimming pools and curling rinks (before the recession hit) was still around. Then her government and her householder might have some credibility.
Diane McLeod
Membership chair
Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo Liberal Riding Association