* Boutique tax and spend measures show lack of focus
* No plan to eliminate the deficit and reduce the debt
* Spending restraint not enough to prevent legacy of debt
* Green corporate welfare means wasteful spending and fewer jobs

VICTORIA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) expressed disappointment today at a lackluster budget with no major tax relief for families, no plan to balance the budget, and the promise of more green corporate welfare.

“The across-the-board income tax relief for families, made by this government at the beginning of its first mandate, has been replaced by boutique measures,” said Maureen Bader, B.C. Director of the CTF. “Broad-based tax relief would allow families to make their own decisions, and the overall outlook for families is unclear, as the health tax, carbon tax, and electricity rates will go higher.

Total spending will increase to $40.6 billion in 2010/11, up slightly, from $39.7 billion in 2009/10, well above the $30.6 billion in 2004. The outlook for the debt and deficit is similar to the September 2009 budget, with the debt rising to almost $60 billion by 2013.

“This government’s past spending blowout needs more than moderation if we want to ever get out from underneath the growing debt burden,” said Bader. “The budget shows no plan to eliminate the deficit, and should interest rates rise, higher debt servicing costs will mean higher taxes in the future.”

The government will increase spending on climate action and clean energy development.

“The lessons from Europe are clear, large-scale corporate welfare schemes that promote eco-fads are expensive failures," said Bader. "Governments have proven again and again that they are a poor replacement for the market when they try to pick winners, but are an easy mark for those seeking quick cash.”

-- 30 --

For more information please contact:
 
Maureen Bader, B.C. Director
604-608-6770 (office)
604-999-3319 (cell)