MLAs Luck and Hartwell Call for Return of Auditor General of Local Government Following CFIB Report

Fraser-Nicola MLA and Conservative Official Opposition Municipal Affairs Critic Tony Luck, along with his counterpart, Rural Communities Critic Sharon Hartwell, say a new Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) report underscores the urgent need to restore independent oversight of municipal spending in British Columbia.

“The CFIB report makes it clear that small businesses and taxpayers are losing confidence in how municipalities manage their finances,” said Luck. “For too long, local governments have operated without meaningful accountability. It’s time to bring back the Auditor General of Local Government — this time properly structured under the Auditor General of B.C., so we get results without creating a new bureaucracy.”

The CFIB report paints a troubling picture of municipal finances across the province: rising operating costs outpacing inflation, wage and benefit growth in local government far exceeding the private sector, and a lack of transparency that leaves taxpayers in the dark. Business owners told CFIB that escalating property taxes, utility rates, and service fees are undermining competitiveness and threatening the survival of small and medium-sized enterprises. The report warns that without meaningful oversight and reform, municipal spending will continue to climb while accountability erodes.

Sharon Hartwell, MLA for Bulkley Valley–Stikine and Critic for Rural Communities and Rural Development, said the issue is particularly pressing in smaller and northern communities.

“Rural communities are already under strain with fewer resources and shrinking tax bases,” Hartwell said. “When municipalities are forced to do more with less, accountability and transparency become even more important. Taxpayers deserve to know their dollars are being spent wisely, especially when families and small businesses are struggling.”

Luck added that the timing of this report is critical as UBCM delegates prepare to debate the future of municipal funding, the Community Charter, and the Local Government Act.

“This is a timely reminder that oversight matters,” Luck said. “We support embedding the Auditor General of Local Government within the provincial Auditor General’s office to ensure independence, eliminate red tape, and restore public trust. As UBCM approaches, the NDP government must show whether it’s serious about accountability — or content to keep looking the other way while costs climb for taxpayers and businesses.”