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-0-1 For Better Government

With the anticipation of a federal budget today, our political

eaders must demonstrate that they have the will to do what isght for Canada. They need to present a budget thatemonstrates leadership and puts our country on the path toustainable economic growth.

y organization, the National Citizens Coalition, has long foughhe battle for small government, economic growth and soundscal management. That is why we created the 5-0-1 Campaig

or Better Government.

etter government means implementing an immediate 5 perent pay cut to the salaries of all federally and provinciallylected officials. It means introducing Zero based budgeting,nd limiting program spending growth to 1per cent per year,hile reducing the bloated civil service.

5 per cent pay cut is an effective way to begin lowering theost of government. The job security our elected officials havenprecedented in todays economy. Meanwhile, most Canadiare faced with job uncertainty. This type of cut is needed toemonstrate leadership and reduce the disconnect thatanadians feel towards government.

ero-based budgeting is a simple and effective practice thatejects the annually unquestioned growth of federal departmend agencies. While certain to be unpopular with bureaucratshe budgets for each and every federal department should be

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uilt from a zero base, allowing for a constant reprisal ofriorities and a reduction in wasteful spending.

nally, limiting spending growth to 1 per cent per year isecessary to prevent the development of a structural deficit. he same time the size of our bloated civil service needs toecrease. Only one civil servant should be hired for every 2 thetire. If we are to maintain sustainable long-term growth,pending increases of 5 per cent each year and the continuedrowth of a wasteful civil service must come to an immediatend.

We have a federal debt of $510 billion. This is a clear sign thatur government has become too big while accomplishing toottle. And as a country that is defined by high spending, lowaxes and an aging population, we are clearly on the road toome very troubling fiscal challenges.

odays presentation of the federal budget is the Harperovernments opportunity to demonstrate that they are puttin

hese priorities, and the priorities of every hard workinganadian, ahead of big government spending.

oday, the National Citizens Coalition calls on the government emonstrate leadership and reign in spending. The time has

ome to adopt our 5-0-1 Campaign for Better Government, ando take this opportunity to put our country back on the path toustainable economic growth.

eter Coleman

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resident and CEOational Citizens Coalition