• CTF calls for a referendum

WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation questioned Mayor Glen Murray's motives over the trip to Saskatoon arranged for City Councilors and members of the media to tour the Muskeg Lake Cree Nation's urban reserve.

"Last week the Mayor said that a referendum would happen 'over his dead body' and now he is taking an entourage with him to cram this idea down peoples' throats," stated Provincial Director Adrienne Batra. "This trip is nothing more than a pathetic sales gimmick courtesy of Glen Murray to bully the people of Winnipeg to pay for something that they do not even have a say in."

The urban reserve strategy forces non-Aboriginal retailers and service providers to compete against tax-exempt businesses run by natives. "This strategy creates a competitive advantage and distorts the free market system and as if the tax exempt status isn't enough, one urban reserve based service station in Saskatoon, Cree Way Gas, received government funding to get started."

"When the mayor returns from this trip, the public will hear nothing but positive things about the urban reserve in Saskatoon and little to no mention on the negative economic impact it could have on the City of Winnipeg." It is doubtful that the mayor will bring back reports of non-native businesses to compete with urban reserve based businesses.

When major public policy initiatives such as this are in the works, the most appropriate course of action is to put the question to the people. "Glen Murray must be held accountable for slapping the people of Winnipeg in the face with his anti-democratic rhetoric. The CTF will begin circulating a petition demanding a referendum on this issue," concluded Batra.