We live in a politically correct world where we accept that politicians will not keep their promises. Massive government debt is the result and every British Columbian owes $30,512 for federal and provincial debt.
Recently, Canadians were informed that the annual payment taxpayers make to finance government debt is $50B. A new report reminds us of another aspect of how badly they fail Canadians who do not work for government.
Public sector employees at the federal level earned 17 per cent more than comparable workers in the private sector and, if benefits are included, cost 42 per cent more. At the provincial level the advantage is eight per cent and 25 per cent respectively, while at the municipal level the advantage is 11 per cent and 36 per cent respectively.
The U.S. is even more ridiculous with CNN reporting 78 per cent higher costs. No wonder Americans are yelling, “I’m mad as hell and I’m not going to take this anymore!”
According to the recent report, if government workers were paid at the same rate as their private sector counterparts, Canadian taxpayers would save up to $20B a year. The annual cost to an average taxpayer for paying interest on the debt and funding these additional costs beyond the private sector is $3,220.
Responsible government would now have $70B annually to spend on infrastructure or the average Canadian would have $3,220 more dollars to save or spend.
Our government’s careless management has produced a public workforce where job-for-life is an expectation and where costs for salary and benefits exceed reasonableness.
Jim Dueck
