REGINA — The Canadian Taxpayers Federation says it applauds Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe for committing to cut income taxes over the next four years.

“Saskatchewanians need tax relief and this income tax cut will make a real difference for family budgets,” said Gage Haubrich, CTF Prairie director.

“Tax cuts like this grow the economy, and more importantly, leave more money in taxpayers’ pockets makes it easier to stretch a paycheque to the end of the month.”

Tuesday morning, Moe promised to provide income tax relief by increasing key exemptions by $500 a year over the next four years if re-elected.

The tax relief will save a family of four $2,100 over four years, according to Moe.

The tax cut, when fully implemented, will mean that 54,000 more Saskatchewanians will no longer pay any provincial income tax, according to the Saskatchewan Party.

The CTF said in a media release Tuesday that Saskatchewanians are most likely to report that they are struggling financially, compared to the rest of the country.

A Saskatchewan family with a household income of $75,000 has a provincial tax bill that’s $1,342 higher than a similar family in Calgary and $1,461 higher than a family in Vancouver, according to the Saskatchewan budget.

“This is a great first step to make Saskatchewan’s tax bills more competitive with neighbouring provinces,” said Haubrich. “Taxpayers need politicians who are committed lowering taxes to make Saskatchewan a more affordable place to work and raise a family.”