EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today launched a petition campaign in support of taxpayer protection legislation. Taxpayer protection legislation would limit annual increases in government spending to Alberta's population growth and inflation, and require the approval of Albertans in a referendum before any tax increases or new taxes could be implemented.

According to the First Quarter Fiscal Update, Alberta's spending on government programs is up 52% from six years ago, compared to only 12% population growth and 14% inflation. Budget 2002-03, introduced this past March, increased provincial taxes by $641 million. Currently, the Alberta Taxpayer Protection Act requires a referendum to be held prior to the introduction of a general sales tax, but other new taxes or tax increases do not require voter approval.

"In the last provincial budget, Premier Ralph Klein broke his promise to Alberta taxpayers that 'the only way taxes are going is down.' There is no guarantee that Albertans won't be hit with another tax hike next year," stated CTF-Alberta director John Carpay.

"Albertans are at the mercy of politicians, who can raise taxes at any time without taxpayer approval, to pay for ever-rising levels of spending," added Carpay.

"In contrast, taxpayers in the state of Washington have enjoyed permanent tax cuts thanks to effective taxpayer protection legislation. Government spending can increase only according to population growth and inflation. Taxes cannot be raised without the approval of voters in a referendum. Politicians in that state have to explain and justify any tax increases," added Carpay.

Petitions in support of taxpayer protection legislation will be distributed among CTF supporters across Alberta, and will be available from the CTF's Edmonton office and from its web site at www.taxpayer.com. The petitions will be presented to the Alberta Legislature prior to the introduction of next year's budget, in March of 2003.