VICTORIA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is pleased to announce the recent appointment of David Hanley as director and spokesman for the CTF in British Columbia.

Over the past decade, Mr. Hanley has worked in journalism and publishing, including senior roles as an editorial writer with the Ottawa Citizen, communications director at the Fraser Institute, and managing editor at Vancouver's former Equity magazine. He also spent two years in Italy, where he established his own communications firm (Hanley Ink.), and worked as a staff writer for the Milan bureau of the International Herald Tribune and as a freelance writer for various Canadian publications. David is a graduate of the Royal Military College of Canada and a former Canadian army officer.

"David Hanley is a welcome and timely addition to our team," said CTF National Communications Director Troy Lanigan. "Given his experience and leadership skills, David will be a prominent voice in ensuring the Campbell government balances its budget in 2004/05 by controlling spending. Re-instating tax cuts and examination of the crown sector will remain a further CTF priority in British Columbia."

David is available for media interviews, speaking engagements and will produce weekly commentaries under the banner Let's Talk Taxes. A full bio and picture of David is available at the CTF's web site at http://www.taxpayer.com/contactus/BritishColumbia.html.

David replaces Victor Vrsnik who served as director from October 2002 to July 2003, and Mark Milke who served from July 1999 to September 2002.

The CTF is Canada's foremost taxpayer advocacy organization with over 65,000 supporters. Established in 1990, it is a federally incorporated non-profit and non-partisan organization. The CTF is dedicated to lower taxes, less waste and more accountable government.