On Monday, Albertans elected 23 M.L.A.s committed to the goal of eliminating personal income tax in Alberta. The 23 Tories hail from all parts of Alberta, and include incumbent cabinet ministers as well as first-time M.L.A.s from Edmonton. During the election, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) challenged all candidates to sign the CTF's "Income Tax Freedom Pledge."

"This is a great basis on which to build," stated CTF-Alberta director John Carpay. "Among the 63 M.L.A.s who did not sign the pledge during the election, none have expressed opposition to the idea of eliminating Alberta's personal income tax. We plan to earn their support," added Carpay. "Having made this an election issue, the CTF will continue to fight for the goal of income tax freedom for Albertans."

Premier Ralph Klein stated during the election that eliminating personal income tax should be discussed at the Future Summit, tentatively scheduled for later this year. The CTF will be making a presentation.

A recent CTF-commissioned study by University of Calgary economist Jean-Francois Wen shows how Alberta can be income tax free by 2015 or sooner, without introducing a sales tax. Dr. Wen's study proposes building up the Heritage Fund through oil and gas revenues until it reaches about $55 billion, after which it will generate enough revenue for the government to replace revenue from personal income tax.