Brad Johns, a Halifax-area councillor, has won a dubious prize from the Canadian Taxpayers Federation for using $25,000 in taxpayers' money to buy a six-metre talking Christmas tree.
Johns, who is the councillor for Middle and Upper Sackville, Beaver Bank, Lucasville, has won a Teddy — the prize the federation gives to public figures it feels are wasting taxpayers' money.
The money for the robotic tree, made by a California company, came out of a $94,000 discretionary fund councillors are given to buy things for their constituencies.
"I wanted something that was unique for Sackville," Johns said in December of the tree, which had moving eyes, eyebrows and mouth, with a voice that sounded like Johns's.
Aaron Wudrick, the federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, announced the awards at a ceremony in Ottawa on Wednesday. The award is a golden pig mascot — of Porky the Waster Hater.
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Brad Johns wins taxpayer waste award for talking Christmas tree - Nova Scotia - CBC News
Johns, who is the councillor for Middle and Upper Sackville, Beaver Bank, Lucasville, has won a Teddy — the prize the federation gives to public figures it feels are wasting taxpayers' money.
The money for the robotic tree, made by a California company, came out of a $94,000 discretionary fund councillors are given to buy things for their constituencies.
"I wanted something that was unique for Sackville," Johns said in December of the tree, which had moving eyes, eyebrows and mouth, with a voice that sounded like Johns's.
Aaron Wudrick, the federal director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, announced the awards at a ceremony in Ottawa on Wednesday. The award is a golden pig mascot — of Porky the Waster Hater.
more
Brad Johns wins taxpayer waste award for talking Christmas tree - Nova Scotia - CBC News
