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Mayor Scott Gillingham is once again claiming that Winnipeg lacks sufficient funds. As both Finance Chair and Mayor, Gillingham has raised property taxes by over 25%, increased water rates every year except one, raised the frontage fee, and siphoned profits from the water and waste department.

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Despite these actions, he did not support the zero-based budget review I introduced multiple times as a city councillor. Many city councillors voted against zero-based budgeting. They haven’t made any cuts to public service, and Gillingham and City Councillors continue to receive yearly salary increases. Now he’s considering introducing new taxes — A tax on alcohol, vehicles, online deliveries and more. How about making cuts? Cutting the fat?

I have often written about the benefits of zero-based budgeting in the pages of the Winnipeg Sun. This time, let’s focus on the salaries and benefits these elected officials who can’t seem to manage a budget receive.

Mayor Scott Gillingham earns $213,328 annually — more than the premier of Manitoba. Meanwhile, city councillors earn $114,609 each year, which is more than the salary of a Member of the Legislative Assembly, who takes home $106,603. Some councillors, such as Janice Lukes, receive additional premiums for roles like Deputy Mayor and Chair of Public Works, further increasing their income. Others, including Evan Duncan, Jeff Browaty, Sherri Rollins, and Vivian Santos, receive similar top-ups for their positions within the mayor’s inner circle.

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