-- CTF Releases Taxpayers Throne Speech, Encourages Government to Borrow Ideas --

CTF Throne Speech

OTTAWA: In anticipation of next Tuesday's Speech from the Throne, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released its own version of draft policy notes for the Throne Speech.
Authored by CTF federal director Walter Robinson and entitled Notes to a Friend: Please Borrow Liberally, the document outlines three broad themes, which should guide the federal government's coming mandate:

1. Fiscal prudence and preparation for the new economy;

2. Responsible and responsive governance; and

3. Addressing long-standing cross-generational issues such as debt reduction, health care modernization, public pension reform and aboriginal policy.

"We strongly encourage the Prime Minister and his coterie of policy advisors to review this document and borrow - dare we say it - liberally, from our cogent framework of policy ideas," stated CTF federal director Walter Robinson. "A Throne Speech must offer a compelling yet achievable vision, we believe this is possible through adoption of the ideas presented."


"Not only do we press for continued tax relief and tax reform, but we also highlight the challenges facing our number one industry: Canadian cities. Suggestions are also offered where public expenditures are necessary and supported," added Robinson. "In addition, issues of trade policy, democratic reform, health care and public pension reform are highlighted."

Robinson also observed that during last fall's federal election campaign, the major political parties contributed to an environment where policy ideas were shuffled off to the backburner. He also noted that, collectively and individually, the party campaign platforms were less substantive than similar efforts submitted to voters during the 1993 and 1997 general elections.

"Election 2000 was heavy on personal insults and light on substantive discussion surrounding policy, any policy," added Robinson. "We encourage the government to view our effort as a constructive attempt to compel Parliamentarians to focus on the future and focus on workable solutions for national problems. Such a tone would be a welcome change from the politics of the recent past."