FREDERICTON, NB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today launched a new campaign urging the Alward government not to raise taxes in the 2010-11 budget. The campaign includes a petition drive asking New Brunswickers to oppose tax increases. The petition can be found at http://www.taxpayer.com/atlantic/no-tax-hikes-2011-budget.
“Given the massive spending binge that has gone on over the past five years, the government should cut spending and not raise taxes,” says Kevin Lacey, Atlantic Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation. “Despite spending more and more money, many New Brunswickers don’t believe they are getting value for their tax dollars, it’s time to stand up and say now is not the time for tax increases.”
The New Brunswick government has increased spending by $1.9 billion since 2005-06. Despite this increase in spending, some other groups in New Brunswick are calling for tax hikes to balance the budget. But tax increases would weaken the New Brunswick economy cancelling any potential increases in revenue, making it harder to balance the budget.
“David Alward has said that he doesn’t want to raise taxes and will balance the budget on spending cuts, this is the right approach. New Brunswickers should sign our petition and push back on those who think tax increases are the only way balance the budget,” said Lacey.
“Jacking up taxes makes no sense. It would only hurt the economy and force New Brunswick families to pay more when the economy is still recovering,” added Lacey. “We’re hopeful the Alward government will re-commit to their no tax hike position during tomorrow’s Throne Speech.”
The CTF is Canada’s leading non-partisan citizens’ advocacy group fighting for lower taxes, less waste and accountable government. Founded in 1990, the CTF has over 74,000 supporters and eight offices across Canada. The CTF is funded by free-will, non tax-receiptable contributions. The CTF’s website is at www.taxpayer.com
Editor’s Note: Atlantic Director, Kevin Lacey, is in Saint John, NB today and will be available for media comment following the Finance Minister’s address to the Board of Trade.
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