Winnipeg and Manitoba are at a crossroads. Rising taxes, ballooning government debt, and a public sector unwilling to adapt to the economic realities faced by taxpayers have led us to this moment of reckoning. Affordability is a word tossed around by elected officials, yet their actions show no commitment to the efficiencies and cost-saving measures that true affordability demands. It is time for bold action, and I propose the creation of a Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to address the crisis of overspending and underperformance that has plagued our city and province for too long.
The concept is simple yet transformative. DOGE would bring together an advisory team of successful business leaders who have a proven track record of innovation, efficiency, and decisive action. These leaders would guide a systematic overhaul of government operations, cutting unnecessary regulations, reducing bloated spending, and streamlining public service headcounts. This is not about political posturing; it is about survival. The current levels of government spending are not sustainable, and taxpayers deserve better.
Let’s examine the current landscape. Winnipeg’s recent budget includes a 5.95% property tax increase — let’s be honest and call it 6%. Bus fares are up, fees for essential services are rising, and yet no meaningful cuts have been made. The city’s largest expense, wages, remains untouched. Every city employee and elected official is slated for a salary increase in 2025, despite the growing financial strain on taxpayers. Mayor Scott Gillingham has avoided tackling inefficiencies within the bloated public service. Councillor spending accounts remain intact, travel budgets continue unchecked, and elected officials still attend conferences at taxpayer expense. Meanwhile, consultants are hired for projects that often end up over budget and delayed.
At the provincial level, the story is no better. The Manitoba NDP has shown no willingness to curb spending, even as debt-servicing costs climb to over $2 billion annually. Premier Wab Kinew has yet to demonstrate fiscal responsibility, preferring instead to shift blame to previous governments. This tired narrative does nothing to solve the problems of today. Manitobans need leadership that recognizes the urgency of our financial situation and takes decisive action to address it.
The federal government is equally guilty. Ottawa’s endless spending spree has left Canadians with a national debt that will burden future generations. The upcoming fiscal update is unlikely to offer any solutions, focusing instead on creative storytelling to mask the harsh realities of our fiscal crisis. This trickle-down irresponsibility only exacerbates the challenges faced by municipalities and provinces.
DOGE would change this dynamic by introducing a results-oriented approach to governance. Consider the example of Calgary’s Zero-Based Review (ZBR) program. This initiative has identified potential annual financial gains of $60.4 to $71.5 million by reviewing 70% of the city’s services, including fleet management, parks, roads, fire services, and more. The program’s success lies in its fundamental principle: every expense, new or recurring, must be justified for each budgeting period. This bottom-up approach ensures that resources are allocated effectively and waste is eliminated. Why has Winnipeg not adopted a similar model?
The benefits of a DOGE are clear. By cutting wasteful spending, we can free up resources for critical infrastructure projects that have been delayed for years, such as the North End Treatment Facility, Arlington Bridge, and Kenaston widening. By reducing the size of government, we can ease the tax burden on families and businesses, fostering economic growth and job creation. By streamlining regulations, we can attract investment and innovation, making Winnipeg and Manitoba more competitive on the national and global stage.
Critics will argue that cuts to public services will harm vulnerable populations, but this is a false dichotomy. Efficiency does not mean sacrificing quality. In fact, by eliminating redundancies and focusing on core responsibilities, we can improve service delivery while reducing costs. For example, consolidating administrative functions across departments can save millions without impacting frontline services. Restricting travel and discretionary spending for elected officials can send a powerful message that the government is serious about tightening its belt. Cancelling projects driven by political posturing rather than public benefit can redirect funds to where they are truly needed.
The private sector has long understood the importance of efficiency and accountability. Businesses that fail to adapt to changing economic conditions do not survive. Governments, however, have the luxury of passing their inefficiencies onto taxpayers. This must end. Manitobans deserve a government that operates with the same discipline and focus as a successful business. They deserve a government that prioritizes results over rhetoric.
Creating a Department of Government Efficiency is not just an opportunity; it is a necessity. The financial challenges we face are too great to be solved by incremental changes or empty promises. We need a comprehensive, top-to-bottom review of government operations guided by the best minds in business and innovation. We need leaders who are unafraid to make tough decisions and who are committed to delivering value for every dollar spent.
Mayor Scott Gillingham and Premier Wab Kinew lack the resolve to tackle their governments' unsustainable spending. Bringing in private-sector experts is not just an option; it is the solution. For those who resist the idea of involving business leaders in government, consider this: What happens to social programs when the government can no longer afford them? How will you feel when vital services collapse under the weight of unchecked fiscal irresponsibility?
2025 must not be remembered as the year of "Happy New Taxes." It must be remembered as the year we took control of our financial future. A year when we acknowledged the unsustainable trajectory of government spending and chose to act. A year when we put taxpayers first and demanded better from our leaders.
This is no different than my years of advocating for a Planning Commission because of the years and years of poor management and decision-making by elected officials who know nothing about building, city planning, or design. The City is failing miserably
Creating a Department or Committee of Government Efficiency is a bold step, but it is the step we need. Winnipeg and Manitoba cannot afford to continue down this path of fiscal irresponsibility. It is time for change. It is time for a DOGE.
Commenti