EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today responded to the release of the Alberta Government's Annual Report for the fiscal year 2002-03, ending March 31, 2003.

The Budget for fiscal 2002-03 was presented to the Legislature on March 19, 2002, and included a total of $641 million in tax increases. The health care premium tax was increased by 30%, going to $528 per person per year, and $1,056 per year for families. Taxes on alcohol and tobacco were increased. Various fees, permits and licences were increased as well, in some cases by 400%.

The government's Annual Report for 2002-03 boasts total revenues of $22.7 billion, which includes $913 million in health care premium taxes. The $22.7 billion is $2.8 billion higher than the $19.9 billion projected when the budget was brought down in March of 2002.

"This annual report shows that Premier Klein's $641 million tax increase in March of 2002 was not necessary at all," stated CTF-Alberta director John Carpay.

"That $641 million tax grab went towards financing this government's 58% program spending increase that has occurred while Alberta's population grew by just 12%," added Carpay.

"This annual report demonstrates that there is no need at all for this government to be collecting $1,056 each year from Alberta families in health care premium taxes, or $528 per year from individuals. This tax could be eliminated with a four percent spending cut, and Alberta would still be spending more, per person, on government programs that B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and other provinces."

"Premier Klein and his government seem to have forgotten that this is not their money; this money belongs to Albertans," concluded Carpay.