Independent Politics

Premier Christy Clark refused on Monday to scrap the government's $1.5-million employee-recognition program that allows civil servants to give each other presents and gift cards on the taxpayers' tab, but she did promise to "fix" the program to prevent it from being abused.

VANCOUVER — B.C. Premier Christy Clark is defending a program allowing civil servants to give each other gifts at the taxpayer’s expense, calling it a “widely recognized way” to motivate employees.

At the same time, she conceded a lack of control and added gift giving would be monitored in future.

Critics called her “out of touch.”

Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington is welcoming the provincial government's plan to improve Community Living British Columbia (CLBC) with a renewed mandate and a moderate boost in funding.

Huntington hopes the announcement marks the beginning of the end to the trauma faced by CLBC clients, their families and advocates.

Delta, B.C. – Government employee “morale boosting” gift distribution programs are an affront to taxpayers, says Delta South MLA Vicki Huntington.   Huntington had sharp questions for Finance Minister Kevin Falcon today, asking the government to end the program and disclose all details about its oversight and accountability.