The province is planning a tax increase in the next budget due this spring, and the CTF is fighting it.

The CTF has launched an advertising campaign and petition drive aimed at preventing a tax increase in Saskatchewan.

The warning signs have been there for years. In 2002 we saw a $483 million deficit. Last year the deficit grew to $654 million. This year is anyone's guess, but the most recent report from the Provincial Auditor forecasts another $477 million in new provincial debt. This is likely a very conservative forecast, considering Saskatchewan's economic growth is nowhere near the whopping 6.7 per cent growth forecast by the NDP in the most recent budget.

In the last three years the province has grown the provincial debt by and whopping $1.6 billion. The writing is on the wall, and it's saying there's going to be a tax hike.

Premier Calvert, in a Christmas-time chat with members of the media, mused about imposing an Alberta-style health care premium tax, or raising the PST. They blame the province's rising deficits on tough economic circumstances resulting from the BSE crisis and drought conditions.

The reality is the exact opposite of what the government is telling us. The province is collecting more tax revenue than ever before. The government is taking in $7.5 billion -- $1.3 billion more than then they did in 1998, which was the last year of any semblance of fiscal sanity in Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan doesn't have a revenue problem -- it has a spending problem. Spending has grown by leaps and bounds and recent years, far out-stripping increases in tax revenue. Per capita spending since 1998 has increased by 16 per cent, even after you factor in inflation.

Think about all the failed investments made by our government. $28 million lost on Spudco, millions lost on Mind's Eye Entertainment, and on countless out-of-province and overseas investments. Year after year, a majority of government departments come in substantially over budget without any recourse from the Premier's Office.

Had government spending been tied to inflation since 1997, we would
currently be enjoying an $938 million surplus, or a rainy day fund worth
$5.4 billion - even after you factor in increases in health spending.

While our province's debt continues to grow, our government continues to spend with reckless abandon, leaving future generations with the tab.

All we need is two NDP MLAs to stand up for taxpayers and do the right thing. We need two NDP MLAs to vote against any budget that includes tax increases. Write, phone and visit your MLA. Don't leave until he or she talks to you. Let's be heard.

Sign the petition at www.taxpayer.com calling on the government to balance the budget over four years without raising taxes.

There are 470,000 taxpayers in Saskatchewan. If we make enough noise we can make a difference. Say no to a take hike. Sign the petition at taxpayer.com, call and visit your MLA, do what you can to be heard. The province's future is at stake.