REGINA: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is calling on NDP Members of the Legislative Assembly to pass a law proposed by the Saskatchewan Party to fix election dates and allow for the election of Saskatchewan representatives in the Canadian Senate.

In annual surveys CTF supporters consistently support fixed election dates and elected senators.

"Only a government afraid of democratic renewal - and the accountability it brings - would vote against this law," said CTF Saskatchewan director David MacLean. "Failing to pass this legislation would show the NDP places partisan political interests over the interests of the electorate."

"The government of the day should not be able to manipulate election dates to their own political advantage," added MacLean.

The CTF has consistently called for democratic reform over the years. In recent submissions to the government of Saskatchewan the CTF recommended:

- Fixed election and budget dates;
- Taxpayer protection legislation requiring an election or referendum to decide on proposed tax increases;
- Financial penalties for cabinet ministers who exceed annual budget allotments; and
- Citizens' initiative legislation allowing voters to put issues to a referendum.

"While the CTF applauds the Saskatchewan Party for adopting one of the CTF's democratic reform policies, why stop there " asked MacLean. "Saskatchewan has a long way to go in building a stronger and more vibrant democracy."

"Let's hope the NDP has the wisdom and good sense to set aside their partisan interests and pass this legislation," said MacLean. "It would, at minimum, be a good start."