TORONTO: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) and Toronto Sun Money Editor Linda Leatherdale delivered a petition with 11,000 signatures calling on Premier McGuinty to keep his promise not to raise taxes and not to run a deficit in tomorrow's budget. The petition was received by Finance Minister Greg Sorbara at Queen's Park today.

"We are pleased that the Minister received our petition, but dismayed at continued media reports of increased taxes in tomorrow's budget," said CTF Ontario Director Tasha Kheiriddin. "Of particular concern is the proposed health tax. Such a tax could reverse much of the tax relief granted by the previous administration and would break another Liberal campaign promise."

During the election campaign, Dalton McGuinty promised voters, in television commercials, that he would not raise their taxes. He also signed a pledge not to raise taxes or run a deficit. And in a news release, dated September 25, 2003, the Liberals promised to "keep personal income tax rates and the Ernie Eves' Fair Share Health Levy exactly where they are today." A copy of said release is attached.

"Imposing this health tax without a referendum would effectively increase the Health Levy, which forms part of the income surtax. This would violate the Taxpayers' Protection Act, which says that you can't increase income taxes without a referendum," said Kheiriddin. "If the government does not abide by the law and consult the people, the CTF will consider all legal options to fight this tax."