WINNIPEG: Following the announcement of today's new stadium deal, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) expressed disappointment with the decision to fund a new stadium with taxpayer dollars without prior approval from taxpayers. The CTF had been pushing for a referendum on the matter.
“It's unacceptable to fund a new stadium with taxpayer dollars without seeking input or approval from taxpayers,” said CTF Manitoba director Colin Craig. “From 2006 to 2008, four elections were held in Manitoba. It would have been easy to have given voters a second ballot to let them voice their opinion on funding a new stadium.”
The CTF also raised concerns with the decision to sell the current stadium to Mr. Asper for "fair market value". The only way "fair market value" can be determined is through an open public auction.
"Mr. Asper deserves credit for his commitment to investing in Manitoba," added Craig. "However, it's too bad taxpayers are now part of a deal in which they had no say."
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