TORONTO: On the same day Toronto city council is initiating its 'stakeholder meetings' to discuss ten new local taxes, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today launched a campaign to fight city council's tax grab starting with a 'No New Taxes Toronto' petition. CTF Ontario Director Kevin Gaudet said, "Mayor Miller and city council are trying to tax the fun out of Toronto. This petition is a way for taxpayers in Toronto to let the mayor know they don't want any new taxes or user fees".

It reads, To Mayor Miller and Toronto City Council:

On 01 January 2007 the "Stronger City of Toronto Act", which grants the city new taxing powers, came into force.

Your municipal government is considering ten new taxes. The City of Toronto has issued "A Discussion of Public Policy Revenue Tools" in which it proposes nine new types of taxes including: a new tax on tobacco; a new tax on alcohol; a new tax on parking; a new tax on billboards; a new home-buying tax; a new tax on vehicle registration; a new driver's license tax, a new road toll; and a new tax on entertainment tickets like movies, theatre, and concerts. The Mayor has also suggested a new garbage collection tax.

Further, Mayor, you have already broken your campaign promise not to raise property taxes beyond the rate of inflation by imposing a property tax hike of 3.8%.

It is time that the City of Toronto learned to live within its means, the same way as the taxpayers who fund it.

We the undersigned taxpayers, call on Toronto City Council not to impose new taxes or fees.

Gaudet concluded, "The CTF urges all taxpayers in Toronto to fill out this petition online or to print one out, distribute it, and return it to the CTF. Be assured the message will be delivered to the mayor and council.