Pledge

 

• Leadership candidates run away from Taxpayer Legacy Pledge
• Only two candidates even talk about debt reduction in their platforms
• CTF expresses "disappointment" and "disgust" at lack of conviction and principle
• CTF concludes all candidates endorse fiscal crime of intergenerational tax evasion

OTTAWA: As the aspirants for the Ontario PC leadership prepare for this evening's debate in Ottawa, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has expressed its "disappointment" and "disgust" with all five PC leadership candidates. None of the candidates (Tony Clement, Ernie Eves, Jim Flaherty, Chris Stockwell, or Elizabeth Witmer) seeking to replace Mike Harris have risen to the challenge to put a nickel of each revenue dollar collected in Ontario to a dedicated debt reduction account as challenged by the CTF two weeks ago.

Running away from debt reduction: Endorsing intergenerational tax evasion

"This is certainly not the same party that eagerly signed our CTF Taxpayer Protection Pledge for tax cuts and balanced budgets in 1995," said CTF federal director Walter Robinson. "Reducing debt today is tantamount to giving future generations a tax cut. If governing is about making choices for the future, then this group, collectively, is just not up to the task."

Debt reduction: Not a priority

"Indeed, a careful scan of the policy positions posted on each candidate's leadership web site reveals that only Jim Flaherty and Elizabeth Witmer even address Ontario's crippling $110.7 billion debt," added Robinson. "And both of their proposals for tackling the debt monster are half-hearted at best."

More in sadness than in anger

"We are disheartened, disappointed and disgusted that these candidates have turned their backs on future taxpayers by neglecting a critical issue facing Ontario today," stated Robinson. "By socking away $2.4 billion in debt repayment in just one year, the Ontario government would free up $200 million annually for program priorities, that's $200 million each and every year from now until eternity. It's a shame they can't figure this out - and I say this with more sadness than anger."

The bottom line

"We are forced to conclude that these candidates endorse the fiscal crime of intergenerational tax evasion which is perpetuated against our children," concluded Robinson. "Maybe we'll have better luck in convincing Dalton McGuinty or Howard Hampton to sign our pledge during the next election."