Nova Scotia premier raises concerns over proposed tax changes ahead of meeting with federal finance minister

HALIFAX – As opposition to federal tax reform continues to build, Premier Stephen McNeil is joining the chorus of Nova Scotians voicing concerns to Ottawa.

McNeil’s comments came ahead of Friday’s scheduled meeting with Federal Finance Minister Bill Morneau.

Morneau was in Halifax to discuss his proposed tax reforms with small business owners.

It’s another stop on his country wide consultation tour, a necessity given the backlash in response to his policy changes.

McNeil told the Sheldon MacLeod Show these changes won’t just affect those with “unlimited wealth”.

“We’re talking about people who spent a life time creating jobs, self employed, building a business and wanting to be able to have some level of comfort to be able to put a cash reserve there, either for their retirement or for their ability to adjust to the changing times,” said McNeil.

McNeil himself has owned a small business in the past, and says although the federal government is communicating this as ensuring fairness, the reforms unintended consequences could mean trouble for Nova Scotians.

Morneau said the proposals are just that, and he will be taking things he’s heard into account.

“We are listening to Canadians to make sure we get his right,” said Morneau. “We do know that we now have a situation that there are some approaches to tax planning that create advantages for wealthy Canadians over middle class Canadians.”

The consultation period is set to end early October.