REGINA: In its 2008 pre-budget submission to the Saskatchewan government, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) calls for tax relief, more accountability, and a greater role for the private sector.

CTF Saskatchewan Director Lee Harding presented his recommendations to Saskatchewan Finance Minister Rod Gantefoer during a one-hour meeting. The CTF report, "Seize the Day," has 16 recommendations for the province to make the most of the current economic boom.

"Saskatchewan is poised to prosper," said Harding. "But the province can't afford to be lax in its approach. This government received its mandate through a strong appetite for change; and change is certainly necessary, especially in the areas of health care and education."

The CTF continues to call for a greater role in the private sector in health care delivery. It would also like the government to change the way it funds K-12 education. It believes more public funding for independent charter schools would give parents more choice in education and may even breathe new life into schools facing closure.

On taxation, the CTF wants the government to lower its reliance on property taxes to fund education. An overwhelming 61 percent of CTF supporters say education taxes are the levy they most want changed. As for income, the CTF proposes an 11 percent tax for all, but with a basic exemption of $15,000 instead of the $8,945 expected for 2008.

"We support the government's intention, expressed during the election campaign, that the provincial auditor examine the books of third parties that the government has service agreements with," said Harding. "The provincial auditor should be also able to audit the First Nations Trust. It has never submitted an independent audit, despite repeated calls."

"We would, however, like the government to change its mind on some things," said Harding. "At over $50 million annually, the $15 cap on drugs for seniors is too expensive; nor should this plan be extended to children. As well, large annual losses make Saskatchewan Transportation Corporation one crown that should be sold."

The CTF's pre-budget submission "Seize the Day" is available here.