Four of Manitoba's largest government-owned companies are giving approximately $4 million to the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

Manitoba Public Insurance, the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission, the Manitoba Lotteries Corporation and Manitoba Hydro are each giving approximately one million dollars to the museum, which is still trying to secure enough funds to make the building a reality.

However, the move has some tax payers wondering about their own rights.

"We can't just keep paying for all the shortfalls all the time," said Jeff Vernaus. "It just seems like a little trick that they're using to get that extra money."

The donations were encouraged by an unapologetic premier, Gary Doer.

"Well I did encourage them to do it and I don't apologize for it," he said. "I'm actually proud of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights."

Donations aren't unique: Doer

Doer maintains these kinds contributions aren't unlike ones made in the past for the Pan Am Games.

"Is this investment comparable? Yes. Did I encourage it? Yes. Did I criticize the former governments when they encouraged Crown corporations to donate to the Pan Am Games? No."

The museum will cost about $265 million to build, and construction is at a standstill until the museum gets enough funding.

All four companies said their boards of directors approved the donations - the MLCC's vote was unanimous.

The donations will come from each company's general revenues, and are in addition to the $40 million already pledged by the Manitoba government for the project.

"There will always be naysayers," said MLCC spokesperson Carmen Neufeld. "There will always be someone who will have some negative comment. I really believe the people of Manitoba, particularly Winnipeg, know what a rare opportunity this is."

The Canadian Museum for Human Rights, scheduled to open at The Forks in 2011, will focus on past and present human rights issues in Canada and the world. According to its website, it's raised 83 per cent of its $265 million goal.

It's the brainchild of the late Izzy Asper, the former head of the CanWest media empire, and is now in the hands of his daughter, Gail.

"Gail Asper, as you know, is quite a marketing wizard," said Neufeld, who said Asper approached the MLCC's president and CEO directly. "The government specifically didn't play a role because it was something that came directly from the CEO to the Board of Directors and the decision was made at that level."

Donation won't impact rates: MPI

MPI insists its donation will have no impact on rate payers. Officials tell CTV News its contribution will come from insuring big fleet trucks.

Manitoba Hydro says its board made the donation decision back in 2006. The company says it believes the museum is good for the community.

Last year Manitoba Hydro applied to the Public Utilities Board to increase rates by 2.9 per cent.

At the time Hydro said it needs more money to build its equity. The rate increase is still on hold.

This isn't the first time a donation from a Crown company has sparked debate. In 2000, MPI promised to spend its surplus on infrastructure repairs at the University of Winnipeg. After a public outcry, the government cancelled the $20 million dollar contribution.

With a report from CTV's Stacey Ashley.