To the editor:
For Canadians, the return of new primetime TV this fall means more than new episodes of the Big Bang Theory and Amazing Race.
It also means being treated to an exhaustive barrage of taxpayer-funded ads from the government of Canada.
That’s not to say the government only advertises on TV, far from it. However, high-cost advertising space on these shows seems to be favourite ad spots for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo MP Cathy McLeod and the Conservatives.
Ever taken the time to wonder just how much taxpayers like you pay for those ads?
To give you an idea, two years ago the government of Canada’s total advertising budget was bigger than the entire Canadian beer industry combined. We’re not talking small change here.
Remember, because the federal government has been running large deficits since 2008, all of that ad money is borrowed. After borrowing $416 million to pay for government ads over the last five years, taxpayers are now paying about $23,000 a day just to cover the interest costs, even with historically low interest rates.
So when you see the next ad, ask yourself, “Do I feel like I got my money’s worth from that?”
If you feel ripped off, make sure you let Mrs. McLeod know.
John McCallum, Liberal MP
Treasury Board critic
