CTF brings Debt Clock to Kindersley
By Joan Janzen
KINDERSLEY - The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) brought its provincial Debt Clock to Kindersley on Wednesday, July 16th, as part of its Debt Clock tour. The huge digital counter mounted on the side of their truck displayed the provincial debt in real-time for everyone to see. The Debt Clock was parked at Baker Park, where people could have their photo taken, enjoy a hot dog, and chat with Prairie Director Gage Haubrich.
Gage Haubrich, Prairie Director for The Canadian Taxpayers Federation, brought their Debt Clock to Kindersley on Wednesday, July 15th, as part of the Debt Clock Tour. PHOTO BY JOAN JANZEN
“Everyone is talking about Ottawa wasting money. But when they realize Saskatchewan has doubled their debt, they realize we have some work to do too,” Gage said.
The CTF keeps Canadians from every province informed. In Saskatchewan, interest charges on the debt will cost each Saskatchewan resident approximately $700. Saskatchewan’s debt will be about $23.5 billion by the end of 2025, which amounts to $18,713 per Saskatchewan resident.
Nevertheless, CTF’s Finance Minister Report Card has given Saskatchewan an overall grade of B+, with Alberta receiving the next highest grade (B) amongst the provinces. The remaining provinces all received lower grades, with some failing grades included.
“You have to let your politician know increasing the debt is unacceptable,” Gage advised. He said part of the solution is spending money in the right way. “How can money be used in the best way? Not just throwing money at the problem, but solving the problem.”
It’s been a busy week for Gage. He has already taken the debt clock to Saskatoon, Melfort, Humboldt, Regina, Prince Albert, Shellbrook, North Battleford, and Kindersley. After leaving Kindersley, the debt clock was headed to Swift Current, Moose Jaw and Maple Creek.
Gage has been the Prairie Director for three years. During his college years, he said, “I was involved in the CTF youth program ‘Generation Screwed’. I liked it so much I never left. Hopefully, at the end of the day, we can save taxpayers' money.”