The Canadian Taxpayers Federation released its annual Finance Minister Report Card that ranks provincial finance ministers on spending, debt and tax relief in the latest provincial budgets.

Prince Edward Island Finance Minister Jill Burridge received an overall grade of D-, tied for the second lowest in Canada. Burridge received an overall grade of C- last year.

“Burridge delivered no meaningful tax cuts this year for hard-working Islanders while loading up on more irresponsible government borrowing,” said Devin Drover, CTF Atlantic Director and General Counsel. “Burridge can’t get top marks until she stops racking up debt and burning more than $200 million a year on debt interest payments.”

The following key grades influenced Burridge’s overall ranking:

Tax relief: D

• The budget provides no new tax relief for Islanders

Spending increase: D

• The government is spending about 7.6 per cent more this year compared to last year’s budget. That’s the third highest increase in the country.

Spending per person: F

• The government is spending about $20,576 per person. That’s the second highest in the country.

“Burridge’s budget significantly increased spending as Islanders are already being punished by years of irresponsible borrowing,” Drover said. “Burridge must focus on cutting wasteful spending and stop racking up big government debt next year.”

Overall ranking of provincial finance ministers:

You can find the full report card and all individual grades HERE.