Ottawa: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reacted to today's Speech from the Throne, which opened the First session of the 39th Parliament.

"With today's Throne Speech it is obvious that Stephen Harper is taking a different approach than his predecessors," said CTF federal director John Williamson. "Whereas Jean Chrétien broke faith with Canadians in 1993 by failing to adhere to a key campaign promise, namely to eliminate the 7% GST, Canada's new prime minister commits in today's speech to fulfill the promise to cut the tax to 6% this year and to 5% by 2010."

"Canadians are tired of politicians that say one thing in opposition and, after winning high office, turn around and do the exact opposite," said Mr. Williamson. "Having a government that fulfills its campaign commitments will be a welcome change and will strengthen the strained relationship between lawmakers and citizens."

A GST Cut is a Good Start, but Will Income Taxes Rise Under the Conservatives
"Cutting the GST is well and good, but personal income taxes are also too high," said Mr. Williamson. "The commitment to lower taxes will soon be tested when the 2006 budget is tabled. It is hoped the Conservative government will not increase income taxes to offset the GST reduction. Ottawa has had a spending problem, not a revenue problem and surplus dollars should be returned to taxpayers."

Daycare Agenda in Tune with Voters.
"Mr. Harper has promised families more choice in daycare options," said Williamson. "The previous government's program to only assist those families that opt for institutional care will be repealed. This is good news for taxpayers because the Conservative government will avoid creating a larger bureaucracy and will make families the top priority, not so-called childcare professionals."

Democratic & Accountability Reforms.
"Here the government appears set to hit a bull's eye. The Throne Speech outlined aggressive action to give Members of Parliament a greater voice in the Commons and establish greater transparency in the federal government," observed Williamson. "If fully implemented this will change the relationship between the executive and the House of Commons as well as that between lawmakers and taxpayers."