Taxpayers Delegation to Speak at Council against Pension Plan Vote

WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation today said that City Council is in conflict of interest because an independent committee was not struck to review a proposed pension plan that is to be ratified today.

The CTF is dismayed by City Council's attempt to ride rough shod over Winnipeg taxpayers by voting on a costly pension plan without first consulting the public.

"Council's hidden agenda to pad their pockets without public consultation is an offense to the office they represent," said Victor Vrsnik, CTF provincial director. "Spending decisions should not be made willy nilly and without any public accountability."

Council should de-politicize the pension plan vote and escape criticism of conflict of interest by agreeing to an independent commission to review the full breadth of council remuneration and report back with their recommendations. The recommendations should be debated and take effect after the next election.

"The timing of the vote is impeccable," said Vrsnik. "With a federal election and two provincial by-elections in the making, City Council could not have timed the vote better to minimize bad press and taxpayer outrage. Chances are the strategy will backfire and Council will be back at the drawing board."

Victor Vrsnik will deliver the CTF presentation to City Council any time after 9am at the Council Chambers, City Hall.