CTF Calls for Nominations for Waste Awards

Tuesday, January 25, 2005
Ensuring the Very Worst in Government Spending is Recognized by Taxpayers: CTF Calls for Nominations for Waste Awards

Ottawa: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is seeking nominations in advance of the 7th Annual Teddies Waste Awards from the public, members of the media and government officials.

In the spirit of the annual entertainment awards season, the CTF instituted the Teddies in 1999 to “honour” a public office holder, civil servant or government that most exemplifies government waste, over-spending, excessive regulation, lack of accountability, or any combination of the four. A Teddy may be awarded on the basis of past accomplishments or on the basis of a proposed initiative.

Appropriately, the Teddy statue is a beautifully adorned golden sow. Teddies are awarded in the following categories: Federal, provincial/municipal, and lifetime achievement.

To nominate a Teddy, any Canadian can visit the CTF’s webpage (www.taxpayer.com) and make a submission to the Teddies committee. The identity of those making a nomination will remain strictly confidential.

The Teddies are named after Ted Weatherill, a former senior public servant, who was terminated in 1999 for “expenses incurred by him … incompatible with his position as Chairman of the Canada Labour Relations Board,” according to the Office of the Minister of Labour.

Top nominees, and award winners, will be released through a national news release following the black tie award ceremony on Parliament Hill in February.

Information on last year’s ceremony can be found at: http://www.taxpayer.com/main/news.php?news_id=287

John Williamson
Federal Director
Canadian Taxpayers Federation
www.taxpayer.com