The Recipients
Where Your Tax Money Goes
Billions in Public Support, Executive Bonuses, Job Cuts
Bombardier has received multiple rounds of government financial support — including federal and Quebec government loans, equity investments, and contracts. During periods of government support, Bombardier paid executive bonuses that drew public criticism. The company also cut thousands of jobs while receiving public money. Bombardier eventually sold its commercial aviation business (C Series, now Airbus A220) and its rail transportation division — raising questions about the return on public investment. The pattern: public money flows in, executive compensation continues, jobs are cut, and the business units are eventually sold to foreign corporations.
Volkswagen, Stellantis, Honda — Matched or Exceeded US IRA
The federal government committed over $15 billion in production subsidies for electric vehicle battery manufacturing plants — Volkswagen PowerCo in St. Thomas, Stellantis-LG in Windsor, and Honda in Alliston. These subsidies were justified as necessary to match US Inflation Reduction Act incentives. The per-job cost of these subsidies has been calculated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The PBO has examined the fiscal impact. The subsidies flow to multinational corporations whose global operations generate billions in annual revenue. The Canadian taxpayer funds the subsidy; the multinational corporation captures the production; the jobs are welcome but the cost-per-job ratio questions whether direct public investment would have been more effective.
G7 Commitment, Ongoing Support
Canada pledged at the G7 to eliminate inefficient fossil fuel subsidies. The definition of "inefficient" has been debated. Various analyses have identified billions in ongoing tax provisions, direct spending, and financing through Export Development Canada that support the oil and gas industry. The government has reclassified some support programs and declared the commitment met. Environmental organizations and the PBO have questioned this assessment. The oil and gas sector maintains one of the most active lobbying operations in Ottawa, ensuring that support programs continue under various names.
PMO Interference + Continued Government Contracts
As documented in the SNC-Lavalin analysis, the PMO improperly pressured the Attorney General regarding SNC-Lavalin's prosecution. The Ethics Commissioner found a section 9 violation. SNC-Lavalin (now AtkinsRéalis) continued to receive federal government contracts after the scandal. The company argued that prosecution would cost Canadian jobs. The government's concern for SNC-Lavalin's corporate health — to the point of PMO interference in the justice system — demonstrates the priority given to corporate welfare over rule of law.
Every Dollar Has an Alternative Use
Every dollar of corporate welfare is a dollar not spent on healthcare (6.5M without a doctor), defence (16K shortfall), Indigenous communities (28+ boil water advisories), or infrastructure.
The choice to subsidise profitable corporations while public services fail is the documented output of the lobbying infrastructure that maintains institutional capture.