TORONTO: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) has hired Neil Desai as a full-time director and spokesperson for the province of Ontario.

Mr. Desai has joined the CTF after returning from London, England, where he completed a master's program in international political economy. Prior to departing for England, he served as legislative assistant to the Member of Parliament for Niagara West-Glanbrook. Much of Mr. Desai's focus in Ottawa was devoted to work on the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee.

"Neil Desai is a welcome addition to our team and he arrives at Queen's Park at a crucial time. Ontario voters will go to the polls in the fall of 2007 and Neil will work to ensure the concerns of Ontario taxpayers are given prominent attention," said Troy Lanigan, CTF National Communications Director. "We are confident Neil will build on the excellent work done by his predecessors Tasha Kheiriddin and John Williamson." Mr. Williamson is now the CTF's federal director based in Ottawa.

Mr. Desai began his term with a critique of the Toronto City Council and Mayoral salary increases for Global Television. Other issues the Ontario office will address include property tax reform, opposition to new taxing powers for cities, and the provincial government's decision to rashly impose a punitive health tax on Ontario families.

The CTF is Canada's largest taxpayer research and advocacy organization with over 72,000 supporters. Established in 1990, it is a federally incorporated not-for-profit, non-partisan organization. The CTF is dedicated to lower taxes, less waste, and more accountable government.

For more information, please contact Neil Desai at 416-203-0030 or John Williamson 613-234-6554.