Canadians for Tax Fairness welcomes the agreement to
raise taxes on the wealthiest 1% negotiated between Ontario Premier Dalton
McGuinty and NDP Leader Andrea Horwath.
“This decision will help to reverse the ill
conceived tax cut policies of successive Ontario governments,” says Canadians
for Tax Fairness Coordinator, Dennis Howlett. “Tax cuts have not helped the
economy, but they have benefitted the wealthiest 1% who now pay a smaller
percentage of their income in taxes than any other income group, including the
poorest 10%.”
Government deficits, at both provincial and federal
levels are the result, not of run-away government spending, but of tax
give-aways to corporations and the rich that have contributed to growing
inequality. Painful cutbacks now being imposed in the name of reducing the
deficit will only add to the growing gap between rich and poor.
Growing public pressure for raising taxes on the
very rich is demonstrated by a Forum Research poll that found 78% support for
this idea.
“Premier McGuinty and NDP Leader Horwath are to be
congratulated for listening to what Ontarians are saying and negotiating a
budget deal that increases taxes on the very rich, and provides increased
funding for childcare and people who live on disability and social assistance,”
says Canadians for Tax Fairness President, Murray Dobbin. “More needs to be
done to close the gap between rich and poor but this is a good start.”
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Canadians for Tax
Fairness promotes a progressive tax system, based on ability to pay, to fund
the public services and programs required to meet our social, economic and
environmental needs.
For more information contact: Dennis Howlett 613 863 3670