Bachand critical of PQ's tax hike plans

Posted By: Richard Deschamps · 9/23/2012 3:35:00 PM

Former Liberal finance minister Raymond Bachand is criticizing the PQ's reported plans to raise taxes on businesses and on wealthy Quebecers.

The recently re-elected MNA for Outremont says the proposed hike on Quebecers who earn more than $130,000 could entice some to leave Quebec for Ontario.

The hike, announced through a spokesperson for premier Pauline Marois in a Quebec City newspaper Saturday, would be retroactive, applying to money earned in 2012. The spokesperson wouldn't say how much Marois was planning on raising taxes.

The man who occupied the finance minister's office until last Wednesday also criticized the PQ for underestimating the shortfall that would be caused by the abolition of the Liberals' $200-per-person health tax, ostensibly the justification for the tax hike.

He suggests the PQ were most probably aware of the billion-plus-dollar shortfall that would be caused by abolishing the health tax, but chose to hide it - something which to him, represents either hypocrisy or incompetence on the PQ's part.

Photo: La Presse

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  1. Mke Sander posted on 09/23/2012 06:21 PM
    What happens when you have a government party that is unable to balance their budget? You get an inexperienced, unqualified, and inept government trying to raise taxes. While this new policy would not concern me since I don't earn those wages, I still do not think it's a good idea. Of course you force qualified skilled workers away from this province when taxes are this high, and of course you run businesses out of the city if they can pay less taxes in other provinces/states which they can.

    Paul Marois is not business friendly, and he/she is going to run the province into the ground. I hope Montrealers, and Quebecers, english and french, unite against this government before she goes on with his/her agenda.
  2. Michael_S posted on 09/24/2012 11:22 AM
    If one law can be applied retrocactivly what other actions will be taken? In January, Quebec is set to harmonize taxes. Will the government, accept the responsibility of a previous agreement or is all up in the air?

    It is interesting that Mme. Marois has set the definition of rich at $130,000, as premiere does she know that she wil make $178,00 or that as leader of the opposition she made $150,000. So how much is she going to pay back?
  3. MTL Maniac posted on 09/24/2012 02:01 PM
    when did the libs ever oppose a tax hike!?!? such hypocrits! i hope the CAQ wins the next time!
  4. vivian posted on 09/25/2012 07:56 AM
    Why nobody arrange a protest like the students protest their tuition fee hike? I will be the first one in line.
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