CTF Supports Griffiths’ Rejection of New Municipal Taxes

By Canadian Taxpayers Federation Derek Fildebrandt —— Bio and Archives November 1, 2012

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CALGARY, AB: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is applauding Municipal Affairs Minister Doug Griffiths for his clear stand against new municipal taxes.

A day after the CTF slammed a City of Calgary document showing the city is considering a long list of new taxation and borrowing powers, Minister Griffiths weighed in on the issue. When asked yesterday about the possibility of giving municipalities new taxation powers, Griffiths responded, “That’s a no.” CTF Alberta Director, Derek Fildebrandt responded positively to the minster’s statement, “Minister Griffiths has come down on the right side and made clear to municipal politicians that there’s only one taxpayer. We’ve said that any new taxation powers to cities needs to be a revenue-neutral transfer of tax-points, and not simply a stacking on of new taxes.” Minister Griffiths has gone even further to say that there won’t be any transfer of taxation powers, whatsoever. “The CTF is not against a revenue-neutral transfer of tax-points if cities take on added responsibilities, but simply giving them more ways to tax will leave taxpayers grasping for their wallets,” continued Fildebrandt. “We’re pleased the minister has stepped up and protected the pocketbooks of Albertans.” Derek Fildebrandt, CTF Alberta Director