The provincial government was living it up as the economy was crashing, spending more than half-a-million dollars on parties celebrating civil service excellence. But the government has said those celebrations were necessary to maintain a "high performing workforce" - something that’s "even more important during these challenging times."
And it has no plans to be a party pooper by discontinuing the annual premier’s innovation and excellence awards, which are meant to recognize the "positive impact the BC Public Service’s work is having across the province." According to records exclusively obtained by Public Eye via a freedom of information request, this year’s awards cost $562,741.52.
They included four regional parties and one provincial party, taking place between January 21 and March 26. The biggest ticket item was the $137,414.29 spent on videos showcasing nominees and their accomplishments. But catering and facility costs came in a close second at $125,511.70.
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2008/09 premier's innovation and excellence awards budget forecast:
Total expenses - $587,800.00
2008/09 premier's innovation and excellence awards actuals:
Total expenses - $562,741.52
Under budget by $25,058.48
Main Reason for budget savings:
- Newspaper ads - $0.00 Actual Original Budget $30,000 -("post-ceremony ads announcing Premier's Award recipients in local newspapers. Decision was made not to provide post-ceremony newspaper ads, as a cost-saver due to economic downturn")
- Table chocolates - $10,000.00 Budget: $5,805.85 Actual ("rogers' chocolate squares with gold foil P/A label and dvd's for ceremonies")
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