- Four party leaders support abolishing the health care premium tax
- Liberal and Alberta Alliance leaders support citizens' initiative legislation

EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released interim results of its candidate questionnaire, which is being sent to over 400 candidates from six political parties in 83 ridings. The CTF is asking Liberal, Progressive Conservative, New Democratic, Alberta Alliance, Social Credit and Green Party candidates the following three questions:

1. Do you support abolishing the health care premium tax for all Albertans, without raising other taxes

2. Do you support citizens' initiative legislation, giving Albertans the right to initiate and vote in referendums on issues which they consider important

3. Do you support taxpayer protection legislation, by which no tax increases or new taxes would go into effect without the approval of Albertans in a referendum

Party leaders Brian Mason (NDP), George Read (Green), Kevin Taft (Liberal), and Randy Thorsteinson (Alberta Alliance) have all responded with a "Yes" to the first question, as have almost all of the candidates who have responded to the questionnaire thus far.

"Getting rid of this regressive tax is something that cuts across party lines. Candidates from all parties - including PC candidates running for re-election - are saying that this tax should be abolished for all Albertans," stated CTF-Alberta director John Carpay.

A 2001 Environics poll revealed that 79% of Albertans want legislation which gives them the right to initiate and vote in referendums on issues important to them. A 2002 JMCK poll revealed that 83% of Albertans support taxpayer protection legislation.

Two party leaders have said "yes" to the second question, in support of giving Albertans the right to initiate and vote in referendums on issues which they think is important. Both Kevin Taft and Randy Thorsteinson have faxed back their candidate questionnaires with a "yes" to citizens' initiative legislation. Randy Thorsteinson is the only party leader to have answered "yes" to the third question.

Final results of the candidates' questionnaire will be posted on the CTF's web site the week of November 15, and will also be communicated to CTF supporters in Alberta before voting day.