Wildrose urges ‘fiscal Dragons’ Den’ to find savings

As Albertans look ahead to the provincial budget Thursday, the Wildrose Opposition has a few recommendations for the government.

At a news conference at the Alberta legislature Wednesday, the party called for repealing the carbon tax and cancelling any spending associated with its revenue, reducing the size of the bureaucracy through attrition and forming a fiscal reform commission that would help the government find savings.

The party’s plan calls for a $2.6-billion reduction in government spending and aims to get the books balanced in three years.

Wildrose finance critic Derek Fildebrandt called the fiscal reform commission a “fiscal Dragons’ Den,” referring to the CBC reality show where entrepreneurs pitch ideas to capitalists.

The comparison caused glee among government members at question period. In response to a question from Wildrose Leader Brian Jean, Premier Rachel Notley said a better comparison might be the show Survivor.

“Tune in next week to see who the Wildrose kicks off the island. Will it be seniors? Will it be students? Will it be people in hospitals? Who are they going to throw off the island?” said Notley.

The fiscal reform commission is based on a 2011 program by the Harper government that was set up to find $4 billion in yearly savings.

The Wildrose plan calls for a commission made up of both elected officials and private sector experts with experience in finance.

The Wildrose plan also recommends reversing a recent government decision by privatizing hospital laundry services.

The party expects to save about $312 million by reducing the bureaucracy through attrition, $294 million by cutting “red tape” and $210 million with a government-wide salary freeze.

At the news conference, Fildebrandt said the cuts through attrition wouldn’t affect front line workers, but only “bona fide bureaucrats.”