EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today declared victory in its six-year battle to see health care premiums eliminated, with the Throne Speech commitment to eliminate the tax over the next four years.
"This is a huge victory for taxpayers and for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation," declared CTF-Alberta director Scott Hennig. "Now with the PC Party on board, all major political parties are on the record as wanting to eliminate health care premiums."
The CTF's campaign started in earnest in 2002 when the CTF, under then Alberta director John Carpay, pre-emptively fought against the 29 percent increase to the premiums. The CTF followed that up by launching a petition calling for the full elimination of the tax.
"A lot of credit for this victory has to go to CTF supporters, former director John Carpay, and the thousands of Albertans who signed their names on CTF petitions calling for the tax's demise," continued Hennig.
"When fully eliminated, this will save the average Alberta family $1,056 per year, which to a lot of people will be a great help," said Hennig.
"While we would have preferred the government commit to an immediate elimination, we're not about to split hairs. The tax is on its way out and that's what matters the most," stated Hennig. "But we will be watching the next budget to ensure this isn't just a campaign promise, but rather a contract with taxpayers."
Throughout the 2008 Alberta Provincial election, the CTF provided regular updates which are listed below. This included our "Spend-o-meter" which provided an update of the spending promises:
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