VICTORIA: The BC division of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation today blasted the decision by TransLink to recommend a new auto tax for greater Vancouver residents.

"This is the wrong way to fund transit and road improvements in greater Vancouver," said CTF-BC director Mark Milke.

"GVRD member cities spend over $2 billion annually and TransLink's new tax will raise $95 million. Less than a five-percent diversion in existing civic spending could have scrapped this new tax noted Milke, "yet not one city, even among those opposed to the new auto tax - came to the table and offered a even a fraction of their budgets in order to head off this tax."

Milke called on the GVRD to reject TransLink's recommendation, and the CTF director also challenged TransLink chair George Puil to a debate on the auto tax. "In October, despite the offer of CKNW radio, George Puil refused to debate me on the auto tax. I am more than willing to have that debate at any time and will write to George Puil today to request such a debate."