REGINA, SK: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) is demanding the Manitoba government reject proposals for a healthcare premium tax.

“It’s absolutely shocking that the Manitoba government is even considering a massive new tax under the guise of a healthcare premium,” said Todd MacKay, Prairie Director for the CTF. “Between a proposed carbon tax and a new so-called healthcare tax, Manitoba taxpayers’ wallets could take a real beating from this government.”

The Manitoba government raised the spectre of a so-called healthcare premium in a pre-budget survey released Sept. 13.

Alberta tried a healthcare premium tax and repealed it in 2009. Quebec eliminated its health services tax this year. British Columbia has cut its medical services premium tax in half and will remove it entirely with in four years.

“Imposing a massive tax hike and spinning it as a healthcare fee is a failed policy that other provinces are reversing,” said MacKay.

Premier Brian Pallister promised Manitobans a referendum prior to any major tax increase and a vote would be absolutely necessary prior to the implementation of a new healthcare tax.

“Premier Pallister’s promise to hold a vote prior to a major tax increase will be absolutely meaningless if it doesn’t apply to a massive healthcare tax,” said MacKay.

Manitoba currently spends $7,120 per person on healthcare, second highest among the provinces, according to the Canadian Institute for Healthcare Information.

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 For more information, please contact:

Todd MacKay – CTF Prairie Director – 306-582-7717 – [email protected]