An NDP candidate has confirmed that Carole James and the NDP are once again considering the introduction of a “death tax” to pay for the excessive spending in their platform, says BC Liberal candidate for Abbotsford West Mike de Jong.
May 1, 2009
Abbotsford – An NDP candidate has confirmed that Carole James and the NDP are once again considering the introduction of a “death tax” to pay for the excessive spending in their platform, says BC Liberal candidate for Abbotsford West Mike de Jong.
On April 23rd, at an all-candidates debate, Abbotsford West NDP candidate Taranjit Purewal surprised all participants when he directly endorsed the introduction of a new tax on inheritance – sometimes called a “death tax” – if the NDP were elected:
Question from audience: “Would you support the introduction of a death or inheritance tax?”
Purewal: “ Yes, I do support that .”
“Inheritances are legacies individuals pass along to their families and loved ones, and Carole James can’t resist the urge to tax them,” says de Jong. “The NDP not only want to increase taxes on you while you’re alive, but they also want to increase taxes on you after you’re gone.”
Carole James has previously supported a death tax. After national NDP leader Jack Layton campaigned on support for a federal death tax in 2004, Carole James publicly professed her support for the tax: “We’re the only country in the western world that doesn’t have an inheritance tax… I think the people of Canada will support that tax.” (Global TV, May 31/04).
It was only after mass public outcry that Carole James backed away from this policy.
“Carole James’ irresponsible job killing platform commitments include $1 billion in taxes on small business, forestry companies, liquor stores, the energy industry and credit unions. And now the NDP wants to extend it to the deceased,” says de Jong. “The question is: Is there anything the NDP won’t tax?”
Since 2001 the BC Liberals have made over 120 tax reductions. British Columbians now have the lowest personal incomes taxes in Canada at ever income level up to $116,000. The BC Liberals eliminated provincial incomes taxes altogether for anyone earning under $17,775.
de Jong noted that this taxation sentiment extends to other members of James’ team, including Leonard Krog who stated: “I haven’t seen anyone die of over-taxation in this province.” (Hansard, April 1/93)
