OTTAWA / REGINA / VICTORIA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) announces with regret that federal director John Williamson is leaving in September. He will be undertaking graduate studies at the London School of Economics.

Mr. Williamson joined the CTF in September 2002 as Ontario director, tasked with opening a Toronto office and establishing a full-time presence in Canada's largest province. He was promoted to federal director in January 2004 and has served in Ottawa with distinction, raising the organization's profile and enhancing its reputation. In our nation's capital, Mr. Williamson established himself as a leading and outspoken promoter of lower taxes, spending restraint and more accountable government.

Mr. Williamson has provided lawmakers and the national media a unique voice by putting forward analysis and opinions not normally considered by the numerous government-funded (partially or wholly) think tanks and pressure groups. Illustrations include the importance of lowering top marginal income tax rates; promotion of greater private delivery, competition and patient choice within Canada's ailing medicare system; and a belief that Canadians should be permitted to spend after-tax dollars on private health care. He has been steadfast in his opposition to the discredited Kyoto Protocol and other tax-and-spend policies - including a carbon tax - that will increase Canada's energy costs. He is also an advocate for limited government, and an opponent of corporate welfare and regional development programs.

"John never failed to ensure the concerns of CTF supporters were clearly, and loudly, articulated in Ottawa. He has been a key ingredient to building the CTF's reputation and presence on the national stage. He will not be easy to replace," said CTF national communications director Troy Lanigan. "The CTF will launch a search for a new federal director in June."

Before joining the CTF, Mr. Williamson worked as a journalist and in policy development and communications. After working in Hong Kong for two years, John returned to Canada in 1998 to take up employment at the National Post as an editorial writer and a founding member of the paper's Editorial Board. John was born and raised in New Brunswick, and is a graduate of McGill University.

Mr. Williamson will continue to serve as the CTF's federal director and spokesman until Sept. 2008.