• the only 'consultation' needed is a voter referendum
• new taxes could cost Alberta family of four $911 more each year

EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reacted today to news the Stelmach government "reserves decision- pending further consultation" on granting municipalities new taxing powers.

"Premier Stelmach already said he prefers voters decide whether they want to pay these new taxes in a referendum. What's a 'consultation' going to tell him that a referendum won't " questioned CTF-Alberta director Scott Hennig.

"It's now up to municipalities to hold referendums this October if they want these taxes, not up to the Stelmach government to deliver a stay of execution on these taxes by holding 'consultations,'" continued Hennig. "Alberta mayors need to put up or shut up."

The decision not to kill the taxes by the Stelmach government comes on the eve of a historic vote by Toronto City Council on whether to introduce a $60 per year vehicle registration tax and a costly land-transfer tax. The vote is expected to be close even though a CTF-sponsored poll by Holinshed Research shows 74 per cent of Torontonians oppose the new taxes. (CTF-Ontario News Release)

"This is what happens when politicians suddenly get new taxing powers without a referendum. New taxes get rammed down voters' throats," concluded Hennig. "Hopefully Premier Stelmach is paying attention to what's happening in Toronto."

Last month the CTF calculated the average Alberta family of four could expect to pay $911.25 in new municipal taxes if the Stelmach government grants municipalities the power to levy taxes such as a new amusement tax, hotel tax, property transfer tax and vehicle registration tax.

Detailed tax calculations and tax rate assumptions can be found on-line: New Taxes: Calculations and Assumptions or by contacting the Alberta office at 1-800-661-0187.