WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today expressed "grave disappointment and indignation" with the federal government's decision appoint a mediator/facilitator to further explore federal government assistance to Canadian NHL teams.

"Minister Manely should be given a game misconduct for wasting taxpayer dollars on overpaid athletes," said Victor Vrsnik, Manitoba Director.

Industry Minister John Manley has appointed a Montreal lawyer to hammer out a deal between municipal and provincial governments and the NHL. If all stakeholders participate, estimates indicate the federal government could provide almost $20 million in annual exchange rate relief to Canada's six NHL franchises.

"Who's next in line for currency relief Professional basketball and baseball What about thousands of Canadian producers that buy American raw materials for inclusion in their products What about ordinary taxpayers who do a little shopping south of the border or on-line, will they qualify for currency relief " asked Vrsnik.

"Instead of telling the NHL to solve its own problems, this government has opened the vault for professional sports franchises. And taxpayers will be robbed of millions," concluded Vrsnik.