VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – We know the City of Vancouver is responsible for things like roads and sewers, but what about resolving pro-hockey work stoppages? Council is facing criticism over a motion being voted on today to write a letter to the NHL and the Players’ Association to end the lockout.

This comes the same day the City votes on its annual budget, which includes a two per cent property tax hike.

The motion comes from Vision’s Geoff Meggs, who estimates hundreds of Vancouverites have been directly hurt by the 85-day-long work stoppage. It follows a similar letter written by the City of Ottawa.

But Jordan Bateman with the Canadian Taxpayers Federation wonders if this is the best use of council’s time.

“City council has far more important issues to deal with, things within their own jurisdiction, things within their own realm of ability to actually solve, so this is just a waste of time and unfortunately a waste of money.”

Bateman understands council going to bat for those in hockey-related industries, but feels this is a distraction from more immediate challenges.

“If billionaire owners and millionaire players who are losing incredible amounts of money on both sides… if that isn’t enough to change their minds, a letter from Vancouver City Council isn’t going to help much.”