NCC Says it with Flowers, and Your Tax Dollars!
February 28, 2008OTTAWA – HOUSE OF COMMONS — Local MP Scott Reid is shocked and disappointed to learn that the National Capital Commission has spent almost $50,000 over a ten year period, giving poinsettia plants as Christmas gifts to politicians and unelected officials.
In December, after the National Capital Commission delivered a poinsettia to his Parliament Hill office, local MP Scott Reid decided to determine how much the NCC was wasting on these extravagant gestures. His inquiry revealed that the NCC has spent $49,500.67 on poinsettia plant giveaways to politicians and unelected officials since 1997.
“A quick check on the internet found that the mission of the NCC is “to create pride and unity through Canada’s Capital Region”, Reid stated. “Is a free potted plant really supposed to make me more proud or more united? This kind of frivolous spending is not part of their mission.”
“What I am most concerned about,” Reid said, “is that the management at the NCC feels this is an acceptable use of taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars.” NCC annual spending on these poinsettia gifts more than doubled over the past year to $9,532.
“I think most taxpayers in the Capital Region would rather the money be spent on something practical.” Reid concluded.
For more information or to speak with Mr. Reid
Please call (613) 257-8130 or (613) 947-2277.
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