REGINA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today responded to the release of the NDP platform.

"The NDP continues its record of incredible spending increases in the name of vote-buying," says CTF Saskatchewan Director Lee Harding. "This platform, combined with rampant spending increases in the past year-and-a-half, shows an NDP government with a hole in its purse."

Despite record revenues, the NDP government budgeted to spend $700 million more than it would take in during this fiscal year. Between the beginning of June and the election call, a total of $485 million was spent on various grants, programs and community projects, disproportionately spent in NDP ridings. The platform commits to $1.3 billion in new spending over the next four years, not counting the property tax decrease.

"The worst expenditure is the universal drug plan," explains Harding. "All Saskatchewan residents, regardless of income, will only pay $15 for their drugs. This removes any incentive to choose cheaper generic drugs or other alternatives. Someone with a $200,000 annual income would pay as little for their drugs as someone making $20,000 annually. It doesn't make any sense."

"The other problem is no one knows what this will cost. Originally this was $600 million. Analysts said it would cost $725 million. Now the NDP has budgeted this at $422 million by delaying its implementation. This policy on the fly is going to be expensive and unpredictable for taxpayers."

"After showing some promise by lowering business taxes and the PST, the NDP offers little in terms of tax relief," says Harding. "Increasing the property tax rebate is a half-step in the right direction that doesn't go far enough.

"This government is proud not to go in Alberta's direction. Unfortunately, many of our people have moved there for the reasons the NDP is ignoring, namely tax relief, debt repayment, and opportunity.

"Taxpayers don't treat elections like auction bids, with a vote going to the highest bidder. Just the same, this has become the Telemiracle election. 'Where are we going Higher!' After the parties have offered the moon, the people of Saskatchewan will pay for an eclipse."