REGINA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) welcomes many proposals in the Liberal platform released today.

"The Liberals have offered an alternative to the vote-buying platforms of the Sask Party and NDP," said CTF Saskatchewan Director Lee Harding. "They have presented a plan where tax relief outpaces new spending."

"The Liberals' plan to eliminate the education portion of property tax for homeowners and renters represents a bold move that will keep hard-earned dollars of residents in their pockets," says Harding. "It will also pre-empt an inevitable tax increase following the 2009 property reassessment. However, it does nothing for businesses and little to help farmers, for whom property taxes are the most unfair."

In its pre-budget submission to the provincial government this year, the CTF proposed that education be funded 75 percent through provincial funds, and 25 percent through property taxes. This model would ensure a connection between property owners and their local school and provide a balance of tax fairness.

"The CTF also applauds Liberal leader Karwacki's calls for greater transparency in government," adds Harding. "It's refreshing to hear a leader publicly stand for the necessity of accountability and transparency for funds supporting Aboriginal programs. We are also glad that both the Liberals and the Saskatchewan Party want to expand the powers of the provincial auditor to look at government spending, and to ensure public dollars don't pay for politically-motivated government advertising."

"Although not an explicit part of the platform, the CTF welcomes the Liberal intention to eliminate Saskatchewan's debt within ten years. Our gross debt of almost $11 billion costs us $2.2 million in interest every day and deserves to be dealt with aggressively. Debt is a deferred tax."

"Both the Sask Party and NDP should look at many of these proposals."