-- CTF Responds to Fraser Institute calculation of June 28th as national Tax Freedom Day --

OTTAWA: 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 this year will work 178 days - two more than 2002 - to feed the appetite of all three orders of government chewing up 48.0% of average annual household income," stated CTF federal director Walter Robinson.

"From New Year's Day until April 12th, we worked for the Canada Customs and Revenue agency. From April 13th until June 15th we toiled away for the provincial tax collectors. And from June 16th until close of business today, we've worked for city hall," added Robinson. "So it's ironic that Tax Freedom Day falls on a Saturday, taxpayers surely deserve some rest. Meanwhile, our American friends celebrated TFD on April 19th and our British cousins celebrated their TFD on June 2nd.

"Despite a buoyant economy and strong wage growth, government taxes in the areas of public pensions, health care and rising property taxes continue to sap a large degree of Canadian household income," concluded Robinson. "Our fight must continue."