Do we not have a finance minister who's capable of doing what we've hired these people to do? If you want to talk waste of taxpayer dollars - this screams the message.
Earlier this week it was announced the federal government has secured the services of a high-powered management consultant firm - Deloitte Inc. - to the tune of $90,000 a day for advice on how to save money. What?!? Are we really hearing this? If that's not a catch 22, what is?
Reportedly Deloitte was hired on August 15 on a $19.8 million contract to advise the federal cabinet and senior officials on finding enough savings to 'balance the books' by 2014.
The contract, which runs until March 31, is to advise "senior and elected officials on public and private sector best practices in improving productivity and achieving operational efficiencies." There is also an option for a one-year extension.
Wow.
Ninety thousand dollars a day? Nineteen million altogether? Really?
"Engaging private sector advisers who have been successful with cost-saving operational reviews will better enable ministers and deputy heads not only to compile their individual cost-savings proposals but also to provide practical advice on what to look for and how to execute their plans," press secretary Heather Hume said in an email.
If we have to dole out this kind of cash to the private sector to manage Canada's economy, then why isn't the private sector governing the country?
We have elected MPs that are being paid well with Canadian taxpayer dollars to get on with the business of governing the country and managing expenses. If they're not up to the task, there's a very simple way to cut costs... no high priced, fancy consultant firm needed.
