NEWS RELEASE 

February 20, 1995   For Immediate Release 

MP's HOUSEHOLD SURVEY SUPPORTS PRINCIPLES FOR REFORM'S "TAXPAYERS' BUDGET"

"We have to get our spending under control to preserve the programs we really need."

Ottawa - Garry Breitkreuz, MP for Yorkton-Melville released preliminary results of a constituency-wide household survey which shows strong support for the principles on which the Reform Party based their "Taxpayers' Budget which was released in Ottawa this morning. Breitkreuz conducted his household survey during the months of November and December and preliminary analysis of about 350 surveys show: 

• 90% of the constituents responding to the MPs survey thought the federal government should be required by law to balance its budget. 
• 97% of the respondents thought the federal government should set a firm goal to balance it's budget in a set period of time, with 61% saying it should be balanced in three years or less. 
• 82% thought that the federal government should balance the budget only by cutting spending, not by raising taxes. 
• 68% of the respondents thought that cuts to social programs were necessary to balance the budget and start paying down the $550 billion national debt. Please note that the national debt has grown by over $14 billion dollars since last November. 
• 86% thought that social programs should be targeted to those most in need and also agreed with Tommy Douglas' definition of need: those unable to work because of disability or age. 
• 86% thought social programs should be affordable and financially sustainable. 
• 80% of the respondents thought the family should be recognized as the primary caregiver in our society. 
• Finally, respondents thought families and friends would do the best job of providing assistance to those truly in need. Provincial government, local governments and community groups ranked second and the federal government came in third. 

Breitkreuz commented on the "Taxpayers' Budget" released by the Reform Party today saying, "This is the first time in Canadian history that an opposition party has taken such a leadership role in the budget process. The Taxpayers' Budget sets out specific steps for dealing with our federal deficit once and for all and includes measures which will force future governments to keep their budgets in balance. Our budget document also describes a step by step plan for developing a healthy economy in which good jobs can be created. A number of good ideas are introduced that point in the direction to greater personal security and freedom from dependence on government for all Canadians." 

"Canadians want a sound health care plan, adequate resources for retirement, and something to fall back on in the event of job loss, disability, illness or poverty. The Taxpayer's Budget shows how this can be done," said Breitkreuz. "In line with what people are telling me," said Breitkreuz, "With a Reform government, individuals would be given the tools to help themselves with more emphasis on personal and family responsibility." 

The Taxpayers' Budget also provides details regarding the Reform 5-R Jobs Program. "At the heart of our 5-R Jobs Creation Program is the principle that the private sector, not the government, is the engine of real job creation." 

Reform's deficit elimination plan calls for $25 billion in spending cuts over three years, including $15 billion in cuts to social spending and $10 billion in cuts to government operations and other programs. Reformers propose no tax increases, and a "Taxpayer Protection Act" to limit federal spending in the future. "People in my riding have been sending me petitions demanding spending cuts and no tax increases. My Reform colleagues and I agree that Canadians are being taxed to death," declared Breitkreuz. 

Finally Breitkreuz asked all voters in Yorkton-Melville to compare Reform's Taxpayer's Budget with the Liberal budget when it is released: 

• Liberals say, "Deficit reduction." Reformers say, "Deficit elimination." 
• Liberals say, "Raise taxes." Reformers say, "No more taxes." 
• Liberals say, "Government make-work jobs." Reformers say, "Real jobs with good incomes." 
• Liberals say, "Social programs for everyone." Reformers say, "Programs for those most in need." 
• Liberals say, "Rights and entitlements." Reformers say, "Rights and responsibilities." 
• Liberals say, "Ottawa knows best." Reformers say, "The people know best." 

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For more details concerning The Taxpayers' Budget please call: 

Yorkton: (306) 782-3309 

Ottawa: (613) 992-4394