Canadian Taxpayers Federation

Liquor Retail Needs Reform

"In my lifetime--I'm 52--will I ever see wine or beer for sale in grocery stores?" Premier Brad Wall was asked recently on a radio call-in show. "No" was the answer. Wall will stick to his election promise to keep the crowns in public hands. This means the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) will continue its wholesale and retail operations. Even so, Wall acknowledged this mandate still leaves plenty of room for change, and he was all ears for suggestions.

The slow slide back to corporate welfare

It's no secret the Alberta government literally lost billions of taxpayers' dollars in the 1980s and 90s through loans and loan guarantees to private companies. Thankfully, during the Klein revolution of the mid-1990s these corporate welfare programs were ended. Unfortunately, a few recent moves by the current Alberta government have raised the spectre of a return to these corporate welfare days.

High Flying Hypocrites

Recently, it has been next to impossible to find a politician not talking about the need to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions. Ironically enough, it's almost next to impossible to pick up a newspaper and not find a story of a politician flying off to a conference in an exotic location. Isn't there an old saying "practice what you preach?"

A Step Towards Accountability

Roseau River Chief Terry Nelson recently declared that an "act of terrorism" had been carried out against his reserve by the Pembina Valley Water Cooperative. The "act of terrorism" supposedly occurred when, after four months of not paying their water bills and receiving several warnings, the water cooperative cut off water supply to Mr. Nelson's reserve.

Dion’s bad, bad idea

Last year, global temperatures fell more sharply than any year on record. The drop of 0.65 to 0.75 degrees in 2007 offset all global warming that had occurred in the previous century. In fact, data from NASA shows the earth has been cooling since 2002 even though carbon emissions have risen at least 15 percent since then. Unfortunately, no one seems to have told Stephane Dion. The Liberal Leader recently changed his policy and proposed massive tax changes to reduce carbon emissions and supposed global warming.

Saving for a purpose

The Alberta government does not need a "rainy day fund." Albertans themselves don't save for a rainy day, they save for a purpose. They save for a new car, a down-payment for a home, their child's education or for their own retirement. In Alberta households saving has a plan and a purpose. The province should be no different.

SUN Contract Begs for Policy Change

REGINA: The hefty pay raise for the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses (SUN) is just one more reason the province should pave the way for private sector health care, according to the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF). SUN's latest contract offered a 35 percent wage hike over four years. Meanwhile, health spending went from 34.8 percent of provincial spending in 2006-07 to an expected 43.7 percent in 2008-09.

Time Out Needed on Stadium Deal

WINNIPEG: Elated at recent media reports that all three levels of government seem to have millions of dollars in cash and spare land "kicking" around, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) called today for immediate taxpayer rebates.

Sports Not Worth the Subsidy

The $61 million Moose Jaw multiplex is only the latest proposal where Saskatchewan taxpayers are sinking millions into sports facilities. Elsewhere, Melfort and Weyburn are getting their own multiplexes. In Regina, IPSCO Place is undergoing a $60 million expansion to add more rinks and seating. And Mosaic Stadium will get a $5.8 million upgrade and maybe even an expansion. Unfortunately, the hard-earned dollars put into these facilities won't result in any economic development.

Free advice for a citizens’ assembly

Recently, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) sent a letter to Premier Stelmach offering some advice on how his government could have better handled the issue of MLA compensation.

CTF Laments Moose Jaw Multi-Mess

Regina: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is lamenting the multi-million dollar tax increase expected to pay for a new $61 million multiplex in Moose Jaw.

Government Ignores Manitobans

WINNIPEG: Dozens of Manitobans from across the political spectrum told the government in Committee to axe their vote tax scheme. Unfortunately, the government wasn't listening and neglected to remove the vote tax as it announced amendments today to Bill 37.

SUN Ponders Pay Hike

Does a 35 percent wage hike over four years sound like a good offer? Not necessarily, says Rosalie Longmore, head of the Saskatchewan Union of Nurses. Nevertheless, SUN members will vote on June 23rd on the "final offer" from the Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations (SAHO). Given the generous offer, nurses ought to vote yes.

Revenue neutral? Not this tax

British Columbia is about to start a bold new era if Premier Gordon Campbell and those who support his new carbon tax are to be believed. The tax will begin to take effect July 1 and the provincial government is promoting the notion that it is revenue neutral -- that is B.C. will not profit from the change, only the environment and those who choose to reduce their carbon footprint. It's a promise that doesn't ring true. When the GST was introduced it was billed as being revenue neutral. Instead, it was used to collect billions of additional monies from Canadians.

Opposition silence to pay hike is deafening

EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) admonished the two opposition parties in the Alberta Legislature today for not asking any questions in Question Period regarding the secret 30% cabinet pay hike, for the second straight day.

Gas Tax Relief Crashes Into Wall

The bluster Brad Wall used against gas taxes in Opposition is now buried under millions of dollars of revenue for his government. In the sharpest of contrasts, the man who once proposed drastic gas tax relief now argues for the status quo.

Government Fingers in Too Many Pies

Lyle Stewart says he wants the government to get out of the business of being in business. The problem is he can't find a way. Just as Minister of Crown Corporations Ken Cheveldayoff has to keep the crowns in public hands, Stewart's Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation must find a home for $150 million public dollars by the next election.

Lower Taxes to Help Poor

REGINA: As Saskatchewan's minimum wage rises to $8.60 today, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) says the province still needs to focus on lowering taxes for the working poor. The Fraser Institute's annual Tax Facts report, issued in April, shows the province taxes this group more heavily than anywhere else in Canada.