Candidates questioned on health care premium tax, taxpayer protection legislation

EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today announced the launch of its candidate questionnaire to place the health care premium tax, citizens initiative legislation, and taxpayer protection legislation at the forefront of Alberta's provincial election campaign.

The CTF is asking all candidates of all major parties three questions, as follows:

1. Do you support abolishing the health care premium tax for all Albertans, without raising other taxes

2. Do you support citizens' initiative legislation, giving Albertans the right to initiate and vote in referendums on issues which they consider important

3. Do you support taxpayer protection legislation, by which no tax increases or new taxes would go into effect without the approval of Albertans in a referendum

A 2001 Environics poll revealed that 79% of Albertans want legislation which gives them the right to initiate and vote in referendums on issues important to them. A 2002 JMCK poll revealed that 83% of Albertans support taxpayer protection legislation.

Results of the candidates' questionnaire will be posted on the CTF's web site mid-way through the campaign, and will also be sent to CTF supporters in Alberta.

"All three issues are winners with Alberta voters," stated CTF-Alberta director John Carpay.

"Albertans know that the health care premium tax does not pay for health care, and that the government doesn't need the extra revenues it gets from this tax. As for citizens initiative legislation and taxpayer protection legislation, both are strongly supported by Albertans," continued Carpay.

"Candidates have everything to gain by responding with a 'yes' to all three questions," concluded Carpay.