- $21,060 spent on "key messages manual" and website for Tories only
- CTF will appeal denial of its request to view website and manual
- PC Caucus Research receives $400,000+ from taxpayers

EDMONTON: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today released the result of its Freedom of Information request on the cost to taxpayers of producing partisan materials available only to Progressive Conservative MLAs.

Since 1998, the Public Affairs Bureau has produced a "key messages manual" once or twice per year, for Tory MLAs. The March 2004 edition cost $4,394 to produce and photocopy, according to the Freedom of Information response. The Freedom of Information response also stated that the Public Affairs Bureau, in the 2000-01 and 2001-02 fiscal years, spent $16,666 to develop a website accessible only to Progressive Conservative MLAs.

The CTF's request for a copy of the "key messages manual" was denied, as was the CTF's request to view the website.

"If the manual and the website are not partisan, they should have no qualms about showing it to the public. Conversely, if the information is partisan, it should be paid for by the PC party, not by taxpayers," stated CTF-Alberta director John Carpay.

"Tax dollars should be spent only on neutral information available to all Albertans, including MLAs of all parties. Information that is available only to Progressive Conservative MLAs should be paid for by the Progressive Conservative Party, not by taxpayers," stated CTF-Alberta director John Carpay.

The Public Affairs Bureau's current budget of $14.7 million has increased dramatically since 2000, when it was $8.8 million. That is an increase of 66% in just four years.

Taxpayers also pay for PC Caucus Research, which employs 13 people and has an annual budget estimated to exceed $400,000.

"Partisan materials like a key messages manual and website should not be produced Public Affairs Bureau," concluded Carpay.