WINNIPEG: On the eve of announcing his candidacy for the Federal Liberals, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on Glen Murray to resign his seat as Mayor of Winnipeg-immediately.

"For far too long Glen Murray has used the position of Mayor of Winnipeg as a launching pad for his ambitions elsewhere," stated provincial director Adrienne Batra. "Even though the City of Winnipeg's Charter does not require Mr. Murray to resign, should he stay on as Mayor while running for the House of Commons, it will perpetuate the pork-barrel politics that disgusts Winnipeggers."

The City of Winnipeg Charter requires city councilors seeking the Mayor's seat to resign, however the incumbent Mayor, is not required to resign, unless seeking a seat as a Member of the Legislative Assembly. "There is no reason for Mr. Murray to continue to draw on his six-figure salary just because the province has overlooked putting three words into the legislation," added Batra. "If there is a principled bone in the Mayor's body, he will resign."

Every time a politician has sought to trade up from one office to another, the CTF has called for their resignation. "In the past, Cabinet Ministers have used taxpayer-funded resources on the leadership trail. Under the Federal Elections Act, all candidates are governed by spending limits, should Glen Murray stay on as Mayor, Winnipeggers could be on the hook for promoting Glen Murray the candidate . . . as opposed Glen Murray, Mayor of Winnipeg," said Batra.

The Mayor's potential resignation will trigger an immediate by-election to fill the Mayor's chair and the cost will run taxpayers nearly $1.5 million. "The CTF has long supported the direct democratic process of an election and spending $1.5 million to replace Glen Murray will be money well spent, " concluded Batra.