EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today delivered petitions to Premier Klein's office with the signatures of 4,649 Albertans in support of taxpayer protection legislation.

The Alberta Taxpayer Protection Act requires a referendum to be held prior to the introduction of a general sales tax. Any other new tax, and any other tax increase, can be imposed by politicians at any time, without the approval of Albertans in a referendum. Manitoba, Switzerland, and numerous American states have a law which require new taxes and tax increases to be approved by voters in a referendum before going into effect.

In November of 2002, the CTF commissioned a province-wide poll, conducted by JMCK polling, which reveals that 83% of Albertans believe that Alberta should have taxpayer protection legislation, with only 16% opposed. The following question was asked of over one thousand Albertans:

"Some Canadian provinces, some American states, and some foreign countries have taxpayer protection laws which require voters to approve, in a referendum, any tax increases before they go into effect. Currently in Alberta, politicians can increase taxes at any time, without the approval of taxpayers in a referendum. Do you think Alberta should have taxpayer protection legislation "

"The signatures on these petitions represent the eighty-three percent of Albertans who want taxpayer protection legislation for Alberta," stated CTF-Alberta director John Carpay.

"Tomorrow's budget gives Premier Klein another chance to honour his pre-election promise, when he said that the only way taxes are going in this province is down," added Carpay.

"Even if tomorrow's budget reverses last year's tax increase, Albertans still need a law requiring new taxes - and tax increases - to be put to a referendum. Without legislation, taxpayers are at the mercy of changing political winds," stated Carpay.