The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) and concerned hair salon owners reminded taxpayers today of the upcoming tax increase and the premier’s broken promise not to raise taxes. The group was accompanied by “Fibber,” the CTF’s Honesty in Politics Mascot with an elongated nose.

On July 1, 2012, the retail sales tax will be applied to haircuts (over $50), manicures, pedicures, tattoos, home insurance and other insurance products. The tax increase follows in the heels of a fuel tax increase, which took effect May 1, 2012.

During the 2012 election, Premier Selinger promised not to raise taxes.

“If we don’t call out the Premier for breaking his promise not to increase taxes, then he’ll do it again next year,” said Prairie Director Colin Craig. “Manitobans need to phone, email and Facebook message him to tell him breaking his promise is not acceptable.”

“The hair salon industry is extremely disappointed this tax change came without any consultation whatsoever,” said Kristina Poturica, owner of Rituals in Hair and Skin. “The tax increase is going to hurt a lot of our customers. The changes will especially be felt by women.”

To raise awareness about the tax increase and broken promise the CTF has launched

www.GregLied.ca - a web site that educates taxpayers about the premier’s promise and examples of wasteful spending.