SASKATOON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is applauding the government's decision to provide $53 million in school tax relief for agricultural producers. The province claims this will permanently reduce school taxes by 38 per cent this year and into the future.

"In providing school tax relief to agricultural producers the government has addressed a long-standing grievance," said CTF Saskatchewan director David MacLean. "This relief is targeted to those who need and deserve it most. That is the right thing to do."

"It has been a long road for agricultural producers in Saskatchewan," said MacLean. "The CTF has collected thousands of signatures calling for relief, attended countless rallies and meetings, and written submissions to government and various committees. Finally, our work has paid off."

The CTF recommends extending relief to all property tax classes toward an ultimate goal of 75 per cent of school funding coming from the General Revenue Fund.

"There is still a distance to travel, but today's announcement is a tremendous first step," said MacLean. "We applaud the government for taking action on this critical issue and take comfort in knowing the concerns of taxpayers are finally being heard."