• Mo Elsalhy and Dave Taylor respond to 11 CTF questions

A Taxpayer-friendly Agenda

EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released responses from two of Alberta's Liberal leadership candidates to eleven key questions posed by the CTF.

A Taxpayer-friendly Agenda publishes and grades the responses A+ through F. Questions are broken down into four categories: Taxes, Spending/Savings, Accountability/Democratic Reform, and Healthcare Reform. Grades were determined by a panel of CTF provincial directors and averaged to create a category grade and an overall grade.

The CTF makes clear that the survey and grades are not an endorsement of any candidate, but a tool for the public to show where candidates -- and potentially the next leader of the official opposition -- stand on CTF priority issues. Grading is only provided as a quick reference.

"High grades for both leadership contestants on fixed election dates, a fully-taxable MLA salary and opposition to any gag law show a strong commitment to accountability and transparency," said CTF-Alberta director Scott Hennig. "This is a promising change from Kevin Taft's current support of a gag law."

"We were also impressed that one candidate (Mo Elsalhy) also committed to advocate for tax cuts, spending control legislation, and MLA recall legislation if selected as leader," continued Hennig.

"However, neither Elsalhy nor Taylor would promise to oppose new taxing powers for municipalities or advocate for health care reform that involves more private sector involvement," stated Hennig. "This is even more disappointing considering the large tax hikes municipal ratepayers are currently facing in many areas of the province."

Dr. David Swann was the only candidate not to respond.

Complete copies of A Taxpayer-friendly Agenda , including full written responses the two leadership candidates can be found on-line HERE or by contacting the Alberta office at 1-800-661-0187.