VICTORIA: The BC division of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released a draft bylaw and study in order to promote direct democracy during local B.C. elections this fall.

"The right to initiate local referendums is a tool citizens from Zurich to Calgary possess, and has been used successfully in our own backyard over the past decade in Rossland, British Columbia," said CTF-BC director Mark Milke. "This will give local citizens the chance to step in and vote directly, pro-actively, on issues when they choose to do so. Politicians will also value the bylaw, in that it encourages citizens to become more involved and knowledgeable about local issues."

The 24-page CTF study includes sections on:

A draft citizens' initiative bylaw for municipalities.

A copy of Rossland's successfully used referendum bylaw # 1962.

Explanations on why the bylaw is necessary and how it would work in practice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on referendums.

A legal and constitutional opinion and endorsement from constitutional expert Mr. Mel Smith, Q.C., an adviser to four successive BC governments.

An endorsement from Mr. Gordon Gibson, columnist, and former BC Liberal leader.

An opinion on how direct democracy has worked in Rossland, from current mayor, Mayor W.E. Profili.

A copy of the study can be viewed by clicking here.

"Citizens in Canada are more informed than ever about their world, country, province - and their city. And they choose to become even more informed and involved when their opinions mean something. As opposed to just once every three years, this bylaw would give citizens the opportunity to be involved, and to make decisions together about their community at any time of their choosing." said Mr. Milke.