REGINA: In an open letter sent to the Premier today, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation has asked Premier Roy Romanow to spell out the tax relief policies of the new coalition government.

"In the campaign the NDP promised a $1,000 tax cut for an average Saskatchewan family in four years, but was vague on the details. Its time for the Premier to answer those questions," says Richard Truscott, Saskatchewan Director of the Canadian Taxpayers' Federation.



"Saskatchewan people clearly voted for lower taxes, and lower taxes should be the number one priority of the government," says Truscott.

"If there's a throne speech, we will expect details in the throne speech. If there is no throne speech this fall, the Premier should still spell out his intentions without delay," he adds.

Truscott warns that the formation of a majority government could take some of the pressure off the Premier to lower taxes. "People are worried that the back-room deal between the NDP and the Liberals will be used by the Premier to wiggle out of the promises he made during the election," says Truscott.

"Mr. Romanow was the only leader in the election who refused to sign the Canadian Taxpayers Federation Tax Cut Guarantee pledge. And now we have a government with NDP and Liberal partners who campaigned on different promises. Where does this mixed government stand on tax relief "

Truscott notes, "There has been a lot of talk about spending on platform oddities like the free tuition program. But the promise of tax relief, so loud during the campaign, has been reduced to a whisper."

"Taxpayers must hold the government's feet to the fire for lower taxes!"