Article contentWe don’t need to look outside our own yard to see an abuse of taxpayers’ money.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentThe federal government aside for the moment, what about our own Newfoundland and Labrador provincial government?Article contentArticle contentAre we too distracted by U.S. news to become aware of the tens of thousands of dollars (“transitional allowances” of $12,000 to $48,000) added effective April 1, 2025 and reported by the CBC on July 18, 2025? These amounts were to be added to the severance pay of ministers fleeing their posts. That quietly enacted decision would have meant more for some who don’t need it, and less for others who have little – or nothing. Although Premier John Hogan reversed that ruling in July, 2025 there’s little doubt that some of the money was paid out – and will never be seen again. As taxpayers, we paid for this.Article contentArticle contentTRAVEL NURSESArticle contentThe emergency of COVID has passed and instead of moving to educate and employ more nurses in our health-care system, the provincial government is still employing nurses from private agencies. The accommodation, travel, overtime and miscellaneous charges from these agencies to the provincial government are staggeringly high and questionable. Being cared for in an emergency or for an ongoing need are deeply personal issues and there’s no place for greed and conflict in such situations. As taxpayers, we are paying for this questionable health service.Article contentHYDRO PROJECTSArticle contentThe 1969 Churchill Falls agreement resulted in a huge benefit to the Province of Quebec for extremely low hydro rates. It also meant great loss from considerably higher rates and humiliation to the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador. As of December 2024, then premier Andrew Furey delighted in announcing the early cancellation of the old 50-year deal in favour of a new 50-year deal that would supposedly be of great benefit to residents. But learned economists and wise business people have spoken out against the proposed new deal. They warn against the province being short-changed again. They believe that we’re not getting a great deal and express concern that the deal could be fast-tracked by Prime Minister Mark Carney’s national energy projects. To add insult to injury, there’s the Muskrat Falls debt. Energy costs will skyrocket higher and higher. Hydro and utility companies will blame the global economy, climate change, the U.S. tariffs and the pens that signed the agreements. The CEOs won’t shiver in the cold winter or gasp for air in the hot summer. But we will.Article contentArticle contentWe were told in black and white of the Muskrat Falls Inquiry Report that Newfoundland and Labrador should NEVER sign a project greater than $50 million in value without engaging experts and having independent oversight. The review committee appointed in January 2025 doesn’t fit that definition. Why did the government bother with spending massive amounts of time and money to have The Muskrat Falls Inquiry review and report, just to cast it aside and do whatever they wanted to do? What came out of the 2025 review committee?Article contentEDUCATIONArticle contentWhen school became compulsory in some parts of Canada and the British colonies around the early 1900s, curriculum in education was designed to teach by rote (memorizing facts) and to instill obedience. This was to prepare young people for work in factories and similar places of work. Amazingly, some of this remains in our education system. Because so much has changed, schooling doesn’t meet the needs of students anymore. For the most part, they’re not leaving school to work in factories. They’re not embarking on a life of clearly defined social, legal and moral laws. Their world isn’t a safe environment where previously the rains nourished crops, the sun grew them, and the storms provided corrections to Mother Nature. This isn’t the picture of the future for the young generations. This dilemma has created confusion, boredom, misdirected values and disdain for the past. Our education system is experiencing student absences, student violence, staff shortages, curriculum failure, and teacher burnout. Instead of investing in the minds of students, the government is cutting back on apparent waste in schools. But is it waste? Teachers don’t lead and inspire. They suffer through each school day and take time off as much as they’re allowed in their contracts. They’re burned out. Why are taxpayers paying for such a substandard service?Article contentNEED STRONG LEADERSArticle contentThese turbulent times should give rise to change and challenge. If we have answers, let’s put them into action. If we don’t, let’s find them. Seek out committed, strong, caring leaders. There’s no place for lying, corruption, cheating, and self-interest. We have to ask questions and voice our concerns in order to know and trust our leaders. Our world is burning up, and if we want to survive we have to look around and decide where we want to be as individuals.Article contentMarian Bashaw, Portugal CoveArticle contentArticle content
LETTER: Waste and abuse of taxpayers’ money
