In a Democracy...Differing Opinions and Ideas are Welcome and Necessary
CTF Condemns Industry Minister's Offensive Comments, Calls on Tobin to Exercise More Prudence

OTTAWA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today reacted to comments attributed to federal Industry Minister Brian Tobin, widely reported by several national media organizations.

In response to critics who have rightfully and sincerely questioned the merit and utility of Canada's rush to embrace a national broadband Internet strategy and it's estimated price-tag up to $4.5 billion, Mr. Tobin has denounced critics of this effort of engaging in "pompous, arrogant, misguided, and shortsighted thinking." Mr. Tobin went on to assert that such thinking "has no place in a modern and contemporary Canada."

"Mr. Tobin has engaged in the oldest, shallow and most intellectually weak trick in the debating book by attacking the messengers instead of the message," stated CTF federal director Walter Robinson.

"It appears as though the Subsidy Minister is starting to believe his own press clippings and views his one-sided ministerial briefing binder as all that is needed to fully understand public policy issues," Robinson added. "His utter disdain for competing opinions speaks volumes to his fundamental lack of respect for democratic debate and his comments were not befitting a Minister of the Crown."

"Mr. Tobin should understand that diversity of opinion is welcome and necessary for the effective functioning of a democracy," said Robinson. "Such a massive expenditure should be the subject of national discussion and parliamentary debate. The CTF hopes that Mr. Tobin and the government will engage Canadians in this regard."