Provinces challenge Trudeau government over contentious tax proposals
OTTAWA — Provincial pressure is intensifying against the Trudeau government’s controversial tax-reform proposals, which have angered business owners, doctors and farmers across Canada.
On Friday, provincial leaders representing different political stripes — Liberals, New Democrats and Conservatives — spoke out about tax reforms recommended by Ottawa’s Liberal government.
Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister, flanked by business owners and a farmer, held an afternoon event in Winnipeg where he aired his frustration over the federal tax proposals.
On the East Coast, Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil expressed concern that the changes could hurt his province’s physician recruitment efforts and hamper the ability of small businesses to create financial cushions as protection during downturns. McNeil was scheduled to meet federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau later in the day to directly convey this message.