Balancing the budget, ending bracket creep and education funding reform are top recommendations

WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) released its pre-budget submission today following presentations to Finance Minister Rosann Wowchuk, Liberal leader Jon Gerrard and Progressive Conservative Leader Hugh McFadyen.

Balancing the budget is the CTF’s top recommendation for budget 2010-11. Addressing bracket creep this year and taking a sober look at spending – especially skyrocketing education spending – are other top recommendations by the CTF.

“Our top recommendation is to ensure the budget is truly balanced,” said CTF Prairie Director Colin Craig. “In translation, that means they shouldn’t balance the books by hiking hydro rates and using MPI’s surplus. Their new legislation allows that to happen.”

“In terms of tax relief, we recognize that significant tax cuts are not possible this year,” added Craig. “However, ending bracket creep is definitely affordable."

The CTF’s ten recommendations include:

1. Balance the budget(core and summary operations)
2. Index the income tax system for inflation (i.e. end bracket creep)
3. Introduce a two-year wage freeze for all public servants – just as New Brunswick has
4. Establish an all-party committee to review spending
5. Immediately scrap plans for a west side Bipole 3 line
6. Create opportunities for the private sector/improve consumer choice
7. Develop long term targets for eliminating school taxes and pursue fundamental system reform
8. Develop long term targets for eliminating the payroll tax
9. Develop long term targets for reducing personal income taxes
10. Develop a long term target of becoming a “have” province - just as New Brunswick has

The CTF’s pre-budget submission can be viewed here.