CTF suggests a pilot program

CALGARY: Today the Canadian Taxpayers Federation's (CTF) Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change commended and encouraged Minister of Indian Affairs, Andy Scott's public declaration that private ownership of housing on reserves may be a way to combat poverty.

"Since 1997, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has advocated the establishment of private property rights for native Canadians living on reserves. We applaud Indian Affairs for looking at this viable solution," stated Tanis Fiss, director, Centre for Aboriginal Policy Change.

"Let's hope this is not more words. Paul Martin's government killed the First Nations Governance Act - that would have seen increase accountability for reserves. This proposal is beginning to look outside the box and merits a pilot initiative. It's time native Canadians were given the same right to own property as other Canadians," said Fiss.

"Developing workable systems of private property rights on Indian reserves is required. This will empower individual native Canadians and facilitate market transactions necessary to attain widespread prosperity on Indian reserves," continued Fiss. "Private property rights that are stable and transferable are the foundation for wealth creation the world over and communally held property that produces wealth is the exception, not the rule."