WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) supports the Opposition Tories' call for an open tendering process on the Red River Floodway. Documents obtained by the Official Opposition show that ten per cent of the Floodway expansion would go untendered - with a $66 million price tag.

"Historians will remember back in 2002 a series of accounting scandals that rocked the stock market and undermined the global economy. On the political front, a series of federal Cabinet Ministers have walked the plank because of embarrassing ethics scandals, now in Manitoba our own scandal is brewing and the NDP government is stirring the pot," stated provincial director Adrienne Batra.

The provincial government must open the Red River Floodway expansion up to public bidding, not just this contract - ALL government contracts should be subject to a fair and impartial bidding process. Without open tendering, taxpayers can't be sure they are getting the best possible value out of the deal. "Now, like never before, is the time for openness and accountability, the Premier's non-committal position whether he is prepared to accept or reject the recommendations in this report are not good enough," added Batra.

There is overwhelming evidence that private businesses tend to be more efficient, responsive and better capitalized compared to their public sector counterparts. Moreover, private contracts are more clearly subject to performance review and results measurement.

"The NDP government's backroom dealings and questionable conduct on the floodway expansion would make Tony Soprano blush," concluded Batra.