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Taxpayer watchdog treats Victoria to candy cane awards

Grumpy Taxpayer$ honours councillors and boards who helped with transparency in 2018
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Watchdog Grumpy Taxpayer$ is giving out candy cane awards to recipients on its nice list. (Pexels photo)

As the season of giving calls on Victoria, watchdog Grumpy Taxpayer$ is giving out awards — in the form of candy canes — to those who made its nice list this year.

Three boxes of Laura Secord candy canes will make their way to the three award winners. In a press release, Grumpy Taxpayer$ notes these boxes cost at least 50 per cent less than last year’s awards “in the spirit of frugality.”

The Victoria council came in first place for Councillors Ben Isitt and Jeremy Loveday’s calls for better transparency and governance. Their Nov. 14 motion includes publishing more information about closed meetings, financial disclosures and expenditures and highlights.

READ MORE: Grumpy Taxpayer$ offer Saanich News reporter inaugural media award

Stan Bartlett, the chair of the Grumpy Taxpayer$, said in the release that the beginning of the new term for councillors and mayors is “the perfect time to renew the social contract with the public.”

Up next, the Saanich Police Board and police department will also be receiving candy canes for their efforts to make the 71-page 2019 budget detailed and comprehensive to the public.

The District of Highlands can also expect a sweet shipment for the addition of a transparency portal on their website, which includes annual reports, bylaws and public notices for planning projects. Bartlett said the move by Greater Victoria’s smallest jurisdiction is one others should follow.

READ MORE: City of Victoria considers scrapping funds for Christmas decorations


@KeiliBartlett
keili.bartlett@blackpress.ca

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