CTF calls on Klein to eliminate health premiums
EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation congratulates all Albertans for eliminating the province's debt, and is calling on the Klein government to control spending and reduce taxes.
"This is a great day for Albertans," said CTF spokesman David MacLean. "Each and every Albertan owns a stake in this accomplishment by insisting the government get its house in order, despite the hardships resulting from the fiscal reforms of the 1990's. Now it's time for taxpayers to reap the benefits."
"Per person government spending has increased by ten per cent since 1997, making Alberta the highest-spending jurisdiction in Canada," added MacLean. "This level of expenditure is clearly unsustainable, and will ultimately lead to deficits. It's time for this government to get back to basics."
Time to eliminate health premiums
Last week the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) announced a new petition campaign against the tax increases proposed in the Graydon Report on Health Care Funding, which the Alberta Government released at the end of June.
In 2002, Premier Klein raised the health care premium tax to $1,056 for families and $528 for individuals. Annual revenues of $928 million from the health care tax go into General Revenues, like every other provincial tax.
"With the debt gone, Premier Klein has the fiscal capacity to eliminate health premiums," added MacLean. "Klein's argument that health premiums are part of his health reform plan holds no water. This health tax is in no way tied to health care use or any proposed reforms. Disguising a tax as a health user fee does nothing to foster health care reform."
"'It is time to move toward future prosperity by controlling government spending to prevent future deficits, and providing much-needed tax relief. That's what's right for Albertans."