• CTF Tells Martin to Adhere to Fiscal Responsibility Principles in December Budget
  
• Reallocate Expenditures, Say "No" to Deficits, Respect Tax Cuts Schedule,
• Abandon Interventionist Initiatives and Dismiss "Goofy" sales tax cut ideas
  
• Taxpayers Observe: "This One is More Difficult than 1995 Budget"

CALGARY: While on a media, editorial board and speaking tour in Alberta, Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) federal director commented on the priorities for the forthcoming Budget, now widely expected to be delivered by Finance Minister Paul Martin in Ottawa, the week of December 10th.

"Amidst growing calls for more spending and misguided and failed interventionist strategies from 100 so-called economists, it is important that Mr. Martin vehemently ignore this flawed Keynesian advice," stated Robinson. "Some of these folks also advised Bob Rae to run year-after-year $10 billion deficits in Ontario, which speaks volumes about the ability of these economists to remain oblivious to reality and proper pubic sector finance principles."

Mr. Robinson was referring to a recent news release from the Canadian Centre of Policy Alternatives (CCPA), signed by 100 economists, urging vague and unproven spending measures in the face of the current recession.

"With our dollar reaching new lows every day and Canadians concerned for their economic future, now is not the time, nor should it ever be the time, to return to the Trudeau-Chretien days of annual deficits," Robinson added. "We should never again allow politicians to mortgage the future of our children."

"Instead, Minister Martin should reallocate from corporate welfare and regional subsidies to prosecute the war on terrorism and repair the damage to our military and public security agencies caused by 30 years of neglect and politically expedient decisions," said Robinson.

"In our forthcoming meeting with Minister Martin, we will also reiterate our fervent desire that the government avoid a deficit, respect its tax cut commitments, continue to reduce debt and not tinker with the economy by listening to some who advocate goofy and irresponsible GST-holiday schemes," concluded Robinson.