Response to Spring Budget 2009

March 17, 2009

The Plan for Lower Taxes in New Brunswick released in yesterday’s budget raises concerns with the New Brunswick New Democratic Party. The NB NDP feels that a two-tier tax structure of 9% and 12%, as well as a low corporate tax rate of 8%, being implemented by the Shawn Graham Liberals is irresponsible and unfair to New Brunswick taxpayers.

This proposal is especially unfair in light of the sacrifices being forced upon the public service in the form of a wage freeze and job losses.  "The Liberal wage freeze and cuts to the public service will not only be felt by the thousands of individuals directly affected, but also by their families, and the communities in which they live and contribute." says NDP Leader Roger Duguay.  "It is simply not fair to ask concessions from hard-working New Brunswickers in order for the wealthiest individuals and corporations to pay less than their current share."

A progressive tax system is a fair and equitable way of funding social
programs that invest in people and help our economy.  Without a
progressive tax system, the NDP is concerned that New Brunswick could reduce its capacity to deliver quality healthcare, clean water, and accessible post-secondary education to New Brunswickers.

Duguay said, “In times like these, we need to keep revenues flowing to the government and a progressive taxation structure is the only fair and equitable way to do this,”

“A teacher earning $50, 000 per year should not pay the same rate of tax as CEO president David Hay, who earns $375, 000 per year, that’s just not fair, and it’s bad public policy,” states Duguay.