EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reacted with disappointment at the Throne Speech delivered at the opening of the Legislature this afternoon, as the Alberta Government did not commit to introducing legislation giving Albertans the right to initiate and vote in referendums.

Citizens in Switzerland, Italy, New Zealand, 23 U.S. states, and British Columbia have the right to initiate legislation on an important issue, and have it voted on in referendum.

An Environics poll, commissioned by the CTF in September of 2001, reveals that 79% of Albertans want this legislation in Alberta, with only 15% opposed and 6% undecided.

The Citizens' Initiative Act, which would have given Albertans the right to initiate and vote in referendums, did not make it to the Second Reading vote in last year's legislative session. The CTF then wrote to Premier Klein asking that the Citizens' Initiative Act be introduced as a Government Bill in the Spring 2002 session.

"Unless and until Albertans can initiate and vote in referendums on the provincial issues of their choice, politicians retain their blank cheque to do whatever they want for up to five years at a time," stated CTF-Alberta director John Carpay.

"Elections focus on personalities rather than issues. Citizen initiated referendums provide for real debate on specific issues," added Carpay.

"The Government knows that Albertans want real accountability. Legislation is often passed with far less than 79% support - why won't the government act on this important issue " asked Carpay.