Following news that Mayor Nenshi wants the provincial government to pay the bill for an Olympics plebiscite, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) urged the Notley government today to refuse the bill. (Photo Premier Rachel Notley Credit: Premier of Alberta/Flickr/Creative Commons)

“Mayor Nenshi should have always budgeted for the cost of a plebiscite,” said CTF Alberta Director Colin Craig. “It makes no sense for someone in Lloydminster or Taber to have to pay for a plebiscite in Calgary.”

The CTF supports holding a plebiscite prior to an Olympic bid, and is ready to take a leadership role on the “NO” side if a plebiscite proceeds. The organization has encouraged its supporters to attend Tuesday's council meeting and to contact their city councillors, telling them "we can't afford the Olympics."

Unfun Olympic Facts:

• The federal government’s debt is currently rising by $2,066,210 per hour – it has no money.
• The provincial government’s debt is currently rising by $1,243,264 per hour – it also has no money.
• Many families and businesses are struggling with current property tax levels. A City of Vancouver report indicates it paid over $500 million towards 2010 Olympic costs. What would happen to Calgary property taxes?

“The Olympics are fun to watch on TV, but we just can’t afford to host them. There’s no money,” added Craig.