Federal spending on TVs out of control: Tory MP

OTTAWA — Federal spending on television sets is out of control, a Conservative MP says after he discovered departments spent tens of thousands of dollars on TVs, including almost $14,000 for a single unit at Indigenous Affairs.

Alberta MP Chris Warkentin said an average family can pick up a flat-screen television for $500 or less, adding he expects the government to institute improved spending practices for units often used for training and video conferencing.

Since the federal Liberals came to power in November 2015, overall amounts spent on TVs totalled $66,631 at Indigenous Affairs, $67,559 at Health Canada, $62,348 at Natural Resources and $1.29 million at National Defence, according to figures obtained by Warkentin through an order paper question.

“I am quite frankly shocked at the scope and the extent the Liberals have been spending in this area,” he said in an interview.

“I would expect the government could find better ways to save money.”

Most Canadians would be surprised tax dollars are going toward $14,000 TVs for government departments, said Aaron Wudrick of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, noting the figure is substantially more than what the average person would spend.

“I’m not saying the government should not have any TVs,” he said. “The question is: ‘Why do they have so many? What are they using them for and are they getting the best value?’ ”

Spokespeople for ministers of the departments said there is a process in place to ensure standards for approving all expenses, adding the units are used for business purposes.

“All of the televisions that were purchased since Nov. 4, 2015, were for videoconferencing purposes,” Indigenous Affairs said.