During the holiday season, all sorts of resolutions are made for the upcoming year. Some resolve to join a gym while others pledge to give up any number of vices. But what about our politicians Shouldn't they also be striving for better in 2008 In the spirit of the Christmas season, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation offers up some New Year's resolutions for select lawmakers:

1. Federal Finance Minister Jim Flaherty:
Resolve to... reduce personal income tax rates in the 2008 budget. Canadians remain over-taxed. You've repeatedly said so yourself. The October 2007 economic statement lowered taxes and was a good start but more needs to be done to give over-burdened taxpayers a break.

2. Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty:
Resolve to... immediately eliminate the regressive health tax. First, you put in writing that you wouldn't raise taxes. Then you brought in the largest tax hike in Ontario history. You said you had to do it because the books were in deficit. You also said you agonized over it and that it was the toughest decision you ever made. Well, guess what Premier The deficit has been vanquished. End your self-inflicted agony and axe the health tax.

3. Federal Industry Minister Jim Prentice:
Resolve to... remove corporate welfare frequent flyer Pratt & Whitney from the dole. They've taken almost $2-billion of taxpayers' money and have paid back less than 5 per cent using Technology Partnerships Canada, Ottawa's discredited flagship corporate welfare program. A bank would have cut them off years ago. And while you're at it, reject any move to introduce an iPod tax in new copyright legislation that's coming forward in '08.

4. Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams:
Resolve to... quit your incessant whining for more transfers from taxpayers in other parts of the country. Your province has per-capita spending other premiers can only dream of and you've slashed provincial tax rates. Clearly, your cupboards aren't bare. Give it up!

5. Federal Labour Minister Jean-Pierre Blackburn:
Resolve to... be more transparent in your travel expenses. Failure to disclose all of your charter flights flies in the face of your government's commitment to greater accountability. The only things you should be hiding are Christmas gifts. Smarten up!

6. Alberta Premier Ed Stelmach:
Resolve to... become fiscally responsible. Your first budget hiked program spending by 17 per cent. The province's real per capita spending is running higher now than the debt-filled 1980's and you're so far past other provinces when it comes to spending that you're set to lap a few of them. The oil and gas boom won't last forever and unless you enjoy handing out pink slips or tax hikes, you will need to get spending under control in your 2008 budget.

7. Prime Minister Stephen Harper:
Resolve to... push ahead with Senate reform. Canadians do not support an un-elected, unaccountable Senate. The only un-elected senators in Ottawa should be the ones wearing skates and chasing pucks.

8. Official Opposition Leader Stephane Dion:
Resolve to... spend less time with your dog Kyoto (or is it Bali now ) and more time talking tax relief. In 2007, you pledged to cut business taxes and guess what The government cut business taxes. In the New Year, maintain the pressure by talking about the need to reduce personal income tax rates. Taxpayers will thank you.

9. Human Resources and Social Development Minister Monte Solberg:
Resolve to... reform Canada's Employment Insurance program. With a $3.3-billion surplus in the EI fund last year, Ottawa should cut rates and match EI revenues to EI payments, allowing for only a modest reserve, and harmonize the employer rate with those of employees. This will help job creation and give manufacturers a break at a time when they are struggling with a high dollar.

10. Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day:
Resolve to... reject any attempt by admitted fraudster David Radler to serve his prison sentence in Canada. Radler made his plea bargain with U.S prosecutors. He testified against his former colleagues in U.S court. Let American taxpayers pay for his incarceration.

Adam Taylor is research director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.