The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) presented its pre-budget recommendations to the B.C. Budget 2010 Select Standing Committee  calling for: deficit elimination through spending reductions; mandatory debt retirement; a lower, flatter and simpler tax system; spending reform; and greater consumer choice.

Out-of-control spending has sent B.C.'s deficit and debt to new heights. The deficit and debt must be eliminated by a commitment to a smaller, accountable government and lower overall spending – we must not leave a legacy of debt and higher taxes to future generations.

The CTF's report, Reform for Prosperity, recommends a comprehensive public review of personal income taxes. The aim is to create a lower, flatter and simpler personal income tax system to bring the same tax reform to families as has been given to business. The CTF also recommends greater transparency in the tax system by eliminating the carbon tax, the health tax, and the property transfer tax.

The government must not reduce one tax to great fanfare while raising others. Carbon, health, and property transfer taxes undermine the transparency of the tax system, are a direct hit on family incomes and kill jobs.

Other recommendations are designed to reduce government spending and increase consumer choice. Health care -- the area of greatest spending growth -- is the area in greatest need of reform. Other recommendations include stopping corporate welfare creep, creating competitive auto insurance and lottery sectors, and selling B.C. government liquor stores.

Politically motivated spending schemes have created a debt-fueled gravy train that will eventually derail. This culture of entitlement must end – we must see a real commitment to the reduction in taxes of all types that hit individuals and families, now and in the future.