The Canadian Taxpayers Federation has delivered a petition with over 10,000 signatures calling on the BC NDP to restore the auditor general for local governments.While Premier David Eby refused to accept the document, BC Conservative leader John Rustad welcomed CTF BC Director Carson Binda to the legislature in Victoria with open arms.."BC municipalities used to have a dedicated watchdog," Binda explained, "but the NDP chose to eliminate that position in 2021, making it harder for taxpayers to hold municipalities and regional districts accountable."He went on to slam Eby for brushing British Columbians' concerns aside, telling Rustad the CTF is "so grateful to have an opposition that listens to taxpayers ... who want reassurance that their money is being well spent."."Accountability is at the core of what government should be doing," Rustad said. "Being transparent, being out there, trying to make sure we're getting the best value possible for the dollars that are given to municipalities and the governments."The BC Conservative leader drew attention to projects such as the North Shore sewage waste treatment plant, noting that British Columbia could be doing so much better."An auditor general for municipalities," he concluded, "is one way we can assure taxpayers they're getting the best value possible for those tax dollars they give on an annual basis.".CTF slams Lower Mainland politicians for 'schmoozing and boozing' in Whistler while taxpayers struggle with basics.The CTF first asked Eby and the minister of municipal affairs to reinstate the auditor general for local government in April after it came to light that politicians in Greater Vancouver were holding their Lower Mainland Local Government Association annual general meeting at an expensive resort in Whistler.
