VICTORIA/REGINA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) announced today the creation of its Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change (the Centre). The Victoria-based Centre which will operate under the auspices of the CTF will monitor, research and provide alternatives to current aboriginal policy and court decisions.

"Billions of tax dollars are spent each year of which little seems to be properly accounted for or find its way to the people it is intended to help. Treaties are being signed which will cost taxpayers billions more. And basic democratic rights like voting have turned into a racial privilege to be granted by native governments at their discretion. Likewise on taxes, the recent federal court ruling on Treaty 8 exempts 35,000 Cree and Dene aboriginals from paying taxes anywhere in Canada," said the Centre's director Tanis Fiss.

"The work conducted by the Centre will be from the perspective of the average taxpayer and will act as a catalyst for positive change in aboriginal policy," said Fiss. The Centre's guiding principles are support for individual property rights, equality, self-sufficiency, and democratic and financial accountability.

The CTF's National Communications Director, Troy Lanigan stated, "The CTF has long addressed these issues on a variety fronts, but the time had come to bring everything together under a single umbrella; a permanent, professional advocacy presence to challenge the status quo on this important and growing policy issue."

In addition to its mandate, the Centre will publish a minimum of one position paper each year, make presentations to government committees and legislative hearings, and be available for media comment.

The Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change represents the 65,000 nation-wide supporters of the CTF. The CTF is Canada's leading taxpayer advocacy organization. With offices in four provincial capitals and Ottawa the CTF fights for lower taxes, less waste and accountable government.