‘Six-figure cars’: Big budgets for B.C. government vehicles stirs heated debate

A freedom of information request revealed some pretty hefty car allowances for senior bureaucrats, billed to taxpayers.

Hefty vehicle allowances for B.C. deputy ministers were front-and-centre during Question Period Tuesday, as the provincial government was asked to justify the expense amid recent tax increases.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation found some senior officials are charging up to $1,200 a month to lease a vehicle.

What remains uncertain, despite requests for clarity, is the makes and models of the vehicles being leased.

“Taxpayers deserve to know exactly what kinds of vehicles we’re being billed for,” said Carson Binda with the federation.

He said a luxury Range Rover could be leased for $843 a month, while a Mercedes SUV could go for $574.

The Opposition B.C. Conservatives seized on the issue during the morning session.

“Mr. Speaker, this government is paying for their deputy ministers to drive six-figure cars while families are losing funding,” said MLA Reann Gasper.

Bruce Banman added, “meanwhile, British Columbians are being told that they need to tighten their belts. They need to pay more taxes.”

Deputy ministers are senior public servants responsible for day-to-day operations in provincial ministries.

Finance Minister Brenda Bailey defended the policy saying, “it’s very important that we can continue to attract strong people into these roles. This is part of that.”

She added the vehicle allowance policy has been in place since 2013 and is intended to retain employees who could likely find higher-paying jobs in the private sector.