VANCOUVER: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) applauded the federal government's announcement to audit the millions of tax dollars given to Vancouver Olympic organizers. "This is a good first step. The federal government is following through on its obligation to taxpayers by putting VANOC under the microscope," said Sara MacIntyre BC director for the CTF.

On October 2, the Department of Canadian Heritage issued a request for proposals for an external auditor to examine how federal money disbursed to the Vancouver Olympic Organizing Committee (VANOC) was spent.

"Ottawa has raised the bar with respect to accountability of tax dollars and the Olympics. Now the ball is in the provincial government's court, will they follow suit Ideally, the federal and provincial governments would work together on an audit of all tax dollars that have gone to VANOC. However, the federal government should be commended for performing its due diligence by taking the lead," concluded MacIntyre.