Tax Cuts A Low Priority In Martin's Re-Election Campaign

by Mike Godfrey, Tax-News.com, Washington

26 May 2004

As the Canadian general election campaign starts in earnest, Prime Minster Paul Martin poured cold water on the prospect of future big tax cuts under his stewardship, stating at the weekend that the country can no longer afford to compete with the United States on tax.

In a commercial that began airing on Sunday night, Martin declared a wish to govern a Canada that is “prosperous yet generous of spirit.”

"You can't have a country like Canada with the taxation levels of the United States. Not without risking the very social programs, the institutions and values that makes us us," Martin declared.

His recent words are in marked contrast to his actions prior to the 2000 general election, when as finance minister he put in place C$100 billion of tax cuts.

"This is a different time. These are different circumstances," he informed a rally at the weekend.

Martin, who took over the country’s leadership from Jean Chretien in December, has decided to dissolve parliament and call an election not even four years into the Liberal party’s five year mandate in order to seek a legitimate platform for his own agenda. The election is scheduled for June 28.

Recommended