CTF federal director challenges ACOA Minister to debate merits of ACOA

Letter

OTTAWA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today responded to a Charlottetown Guardian (July 10, 2002) opinion editorial authored by the Hon. Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). In his editorial piece, Minister Byrne characterizes the CTF's opposition to ACOA and regional development agencies as "glaring ignorance."

"In all sincerity, we appreciate the fact that Minister Byrne has ended the government's silence and finally engaged us in this crucial debate about the role of government and choice of policy instruments to foster a more competitive economic climate for the Atlantic region," said CTF federal director Walter Robinson.

The CTF has submitted an opinion editorial response to the PEI Guardian and written Minister Byrne requesting a public debate.

"But it's now time to take this issue from dueling OPEDs to the next level and discuss it in the context of an old-fashioned debate. The Minister has my number and I look forward to his response," added Robinson.

"We can only hope Mr. Byrne puts his mouth where his keyboard is, for far too long successive ACOA Ministers have run away from debating this issue and opted instead to practice cowardly hit and run public policy," concluded Robinson. "This is a crucial issue for taxpayers, not only in Atlantic Canada, but right across the country. Taxpayers deserve a full, frank and open public debate. I'm ready, willing and able. The ball is now in Minister Byrne's court."