Every year the government spends tax dollars through confidential financial settlements to resolve mistakes it has made. Only rarely does the public get a glimpse into these settlements. "The fact that governments can be involved in some of those [out of court settlements] is not totally surprising," said Todd MacKay, a director with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. MacKay said there is a problem when there is no accountability for financial settlements with private parties. Even after matters go to court, where statements of claim are public, the government has an opportunity to use tax dollars to make mistakes go away without any public accountability.

Source: CBC News June 16, 2021 11:00 UTC