VANCOUVER, B.C.>>> Fraser Institute Policy Analyst, Fazil Mihlar, announced today that several proposals from the Fraser Institute Economy in Government Competition are being implemented by various government departments across the country. Mr. Mihlar, stressed, "It appears that the federal and provincial governments have had a change of heart. .With shrinking revenues, and increasing government debt, all governments will have to implement sensible proposals such as these which will result in millions of dollars in savings."
The 1991/92 winner, Mr. Bruce Anderson, proposed a way to "Reduce the Cost of Coin Production." Mr. Anderson's proposal to introduce a $2 coin to replace the $2 note was announced in the Finance Minister, Hon. Paul Martin's budget speech. The implementation of this proposal will save the government $250 million over the next 20 years.
A 1993/94 finalist proposal by Mr. Roy Langston of B.C. to "Reduce Income Support Payments to Non-Canadians," calls for sponsors of landed immigrants to post a bond, which would help to ensure the sponsor's commitment and his\her capacity to provide financial support. The federal budget incorporates Mr. Langston's proposal.
The 1992/93 winning proposal (Maritime Region) from Ms. Jane Danielson of Nova Scotia entitled "State Enumeration to Voter Registration," has been implemented by the government of Newfoundland. This initiative will result in savings ranging from 10% to 20%.
.The 1993/94 winning idea was a proposal by Ms. Judy Miles of B.C. entitled "Electronic ID Cards to Reduce Health Care and Welfare Fraud." The government of Ontario is slated to introduce an electronic ID Card for health care along the lines suggested by Ms. Miles. And, the government of British Columbia is considering the introduction of an electronic ID card for welfare recipients. The implementation of this proposal will help reduce fraud and save tax payers millions of dollars.
Another proposal by Dr. Joe Freedman of Alberta, entitled "An Alternative Model School," which would drastically reduce costs per student, provide more choice, and potentially improve student performance has been implemented in Surrey, B.C. Moreover, this particular proposal is being studied by other school boards in Ontario and Alberta.
"Some of the suggestions are unconventional. The problems (budget deficit and public debt) we face are also unconventional. Conventional answers such as throwing more tax dollars into government programs should be discarded. Indeed, the time is right to try innovative solutions proposed by Canadian citizens across the country. The adaptation of these money saving proposals by governments is very encouraging," said Mr. Mihlar.
For more information, please contact Fazil Mihlar at The Fraser Institute at (604) 688-0221 (ext. 542) or by fax at (604) 688-8539.