REGINA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling the province's multi-million dollar effort to coax people in to moving to Saskatchewan a waste of time and tax dollars.

The three-year campaign includes television commercials, a specially commissioned rock anthem, and a website. Details of the cost of the entire campaign were not disclosed, but the first phase has been pegged at $2 million.

"The intention is noble, but look at the sacrifices people have to make when they move to Saskatchewan," said MacLean. They face punitive income taxes, the highest corporate income taxes in Canada, and soaring property taxes."

"We should be saying property taxes are under control, income taxes are going down, and corporate taxes are competitive," added MacLean. "Due to the policies of this government, we can't say that with any degree of honesty."

Facts about the Saskatchewan disadvantage:

The only province the Saskatchewan economy has out-performed over the last 20 years is Newfoundland.

Saskatchewan's small business tax rate is 20 per cent higher than Alberta's and Manitoba's, and 33 per cent higher than BC's.

Our general corporate tax rate is 30 per cent higher than Alberta's.

Alberta's basic personal exemption (the amount people can earn before being taxed) is more than $5,000 higher than Saskatchewan's.
Per capita disposable income in Saskatchewan is 8th in Canada.

"Saskatchewan has a lot to offer," says MacLean. "We have an educated workforce trained by excellent universities and colleges, and we have a wealth of natural resources. Unfortunately, these strengths aren't being exploited because of the tremendous tax barriers this government continues to support."