Calgary: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today responded to news from the Fraser Institute that Tax Freedom Day for Canada will occur on Sunday, June 26th.

Each year, the Fraser Institute calculates Tax Freedom Day as the day of the year when taxpayers finally start working for themselves after paying the total tax bill imposed on them by governments. Prior to the Tax Freedom Day, the equivalent of all money earned by taxpayers is required to pay the numerous taxes, fees and levies imposed by federal, provincial and municipal governments. The original release and calculations is available at: www.fraserinstitute.ca

"Canadians this year will work 177 days to feed the appetite of all three orders of government, chewing up 48 per cent of average annual household income," stated CTF federal director John Williamson.

"From New Year's Day until noon on April 14th, taxpayers worked for the Canada Revenue Agency. After lunch on April 14th until the lunch break on June 17th, we toiled away for the provincial tax collectors. And from noon on June 17th until close of business Saturday, we worked for City Hall," added Williamson. "This year Tax Freedom Day falls on Sunday, the day of rest for weary taxpayers."