VICTORIA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today responded to news that Tax Freedom Day for Canada occurs tomorrow, June 28th. According to calculations made by the Fraser Institute, this is a two-day setback since last year when Tax Freedom Day occurred on June 26th. Each year the Fraser Institute calculates Tax Freedom Day (TFD) as the day of the year when Canadians finally start working for themselves. Prior to this date, all money earned by Canadians is required to pay the taxes, fees and levies imposed by all three orders of government - federal, provincial, and municipal. Full details can be found at www.fraserinstitute.ca.

"Canadians on average will experience Tax Freedom Day on June 28; regrettably British Columbians will have to wait 4 more days, or until July 2, before they can celebrate," stated Tanis Fiss, interim BC CTF director.

British Columbia along with Quebec, have the latest Tax Freedom Day. "This year's Tax Freedom Day for British Columbians is six days later than in 2002. This can be attributed to recent tax increases experienced in BC, as well as the slow growth in average family incomes," said Fiss.