EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today demanded that the Member Services Committee of the Alberta Legislature repeal its decision to provide MLAs with up to four flights a year for family members and other "guests".

"There is no value to taxpayers whatsoever in removing the ban on taxpayer-funded flights for politicians' friends," said CTF Alberta Director Mitchel Gray. "Taxpayers will be forced to shell out millions of dollars with absolutely no benefit accruing to Albertans."

The Federation pointed out that such flights are also completely unnecessary. "The close proximity of the capital to almost every constituency and the legislature's short sessions eliminate the need for family reunions and friendly get-togethers," said Gray. "The previous sitting lasted two weeks. Surely MLAs can stand these periods of short separation."

The CTF also said that the new policy is open to abuse, citing the fact that anyone can be considered a "guest" and that there are no restrictions on flight destinations. "We have no guarantee that taxpayers won't be footing the bill for family holidays to Disneyland," said Gray. "I don't think most taxpayers want to pick up the tab for some MLA's "fly-in" fishing trip."

Gray commented that both the Liberal and New Democratic parties are culpable for the misuse of taxpayer funds. "The opposition is as guilty as the government in wasting taxpayers' money on this issue," said Gray. "They voted in favour of jumping into the public trough right along side the government members."

Gray said that the government should return the money it intends to spend on MLA "guest" travel back to Albertans in the form of a tax break. "It's high time these guys gave us some of our own money back instead of doling it out to their family and friends," concluded Gray.