The federal government manages hundreds of billions of dollars in public funds collected from Canadian taxpayers. This money supports government programs, infrastructure projects, grants, public services and countless other initiatives.
While budgets and spending announcements often receive significant public attention, it can be difficult for Canadians to determine whether the money allocated to these initiatives is being spent as intended, whether projects are meeting their objectives, and whether promised results are actually being delivered.
Announcing funding is not the same as demonstrating results.
Canadians should not have to navigate complicated government reports or search through multiple departments to understand where their tax dollars are going.
Transparent reporting helps build public trust, identifies programs that are not delivering expected results, and encourages responsible financial management regardless of which political party forms government.
Government accountability should not depend on political affiliation. It should be a consistent standard applied to every administration.
Why this matters
What we are asking for
We are asking the Government of Canada to establish stronger, standardized public reporting requirements for federal spending and government-funded programs.
Specifically, we are calling for:
1. **Clear public spending reports:** Publish accessible information showing approved budgets, actual expenditures and remaining funds for major federal programs, initiatives and projects.
2. **Measurable objectives:** Require major government-funded programs and projects to identify their intended purpose, expected outcomes and measurable performance targets.
3. **Regular progress updates:** Publish reports comparing actual results against original objectives, timelines and budgets.
4. **Explanations for cost overruns:** Require departments to publicly explain significant budget increases, delays or failures to meet stated objectives.
5. **A centralized public information platform:** Make spending information available through a searchable, easy-to-understand government website where Canadians can follow public funds from allocation through to final results.
6. **Consistent reporting across governments:** Ensure these transparency requirements remain in place regardless of changes in government or political leadership.
Canadians have a right to understand how their tax dollars are being spent and whether that spending is producing meaningful results.
We are not asking for a particular political outcome. We are asking for transparency, measurable accountability and responsible stewardship of public funds.
Specifically, we are calling for:
1. **Clear public spending reports:** Publish accessible information showing approved budgets, actual expenditures and remaining funds for major federal programs, initiatives and projects.
2. **Measurable objectives:** Require major government-funded programs and projects to identify their intended purpose, expected outcomes and measurable performance targets.
3. **Regular progress updates:** Publish reports comparing actual results against original objectives, timelines and budgets.
4. **Explanations for cost overruns:** Require departments to publicly explain significant budget increases, delays or failures to meet stated objectives.
5. **A centralized public information platform:** Make spending information available through a searchable, easy-to-understand government website where Canadians can follow public funds from allocation through to final results.
6. **Consistent reporting across governments:** Ensure these transparency requirements remain in place regardless of changes in government or political leadership.
Canadians have a right to understand how their tax dollars are being spent and whether that spending is producing meaningful results.
We are not asking for a particular political outcome. We are asking for transparency, measurable accountability and responsible stewardship of public funds.
This independent petition is hosted by Canadian Accountability to give Canadians a voice, demonstrate public support and bring important issues to the attention of elected officials. Signatures are collected independently and are not included in official House of Commons petition totals.