Most Manitobans would like to have a direct vote when it comes to any future tax increases. That's according to a recent Canadian Federation of Independent Business Survey, which indicates 72 per cent of residents, and 88 per cent of businesses would like to see referendums before any increases to the PST or personal income tax. While there would be a cost associated with any referendum, CFIB Provincial Affairs Director Elliot Sims says the referendums could be held in conjunction with other elections to cut costs. He admits he doesn't know what the exact cost of a referendum would be, but notes holding a referendum will be easier in the near future than it would have been in the past.

"What I do know is that is that it's going to be far easier to do this in the future, because the provincial government is currently undertaking the development of a permanent voters list. That means you wouldn't have to go out to enumerate and sign up citizens in the same way we do right now, and that's the main cost driver when it comes to running elections."

Sims also feels a referendum would allow for the government to make their case for any increases to PST or income tax, as they'd have to gain enough public support to go forward. He says Manitobans are fair, and would support an increase in taxes if they felt it was justified.

"If the political party that's making the motion to increase taxes puts forth a logical and consistent reason as to why the increase in needed, I think Manitobans would give them the support that's needed."

Sims explains that by holding referendums and ensuring only necessary tax increases were put forward, it could also result in more accountability for government spending.

"Far too often, provincial governments of all stripes, and municipal leaders use the need for higher taxes as a scapegoat for failing to address their operating spending. What we know is at the provincial and municipal level, governments are spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year on operating spending, on daily items such as salary costs, office rental, removing snow and those types of things, that could be brought under control."

The CFIB is now calling on all major political party leaders in the province to commit to holding a referendum prior to any tax increases.