NDP: Raise taxes on wealthiest few to create an economy that works for everyone

Change will add $82 million to government revenues

HALIFAX – Today, NDP leader Gary Burrill announced a plan to ensure that the economy works for everyone and not just for those at the top.

“Stephen McNeil has failed to address income inequality in Nova Scotia,” said Burrill. “It’s important that our economy works for everyone in our province, not just for the wealthy and well-connected.”

An NDP government will increase the tax rate for individuals earning more than $250,000 by 3%, adding $82 million over 4 years to government revenues.

“Not only has Stephen McNeil frozen social assistance rates while food bank usage increased, he also failed to make a meaningful increase to the minimum wage while the salaries of CEOs continued to skyrocket,” added Burrill. “This is unacceptable. By asking those who make more than a quarter of a million dollars to pay a little more, we can invest in the priorities that matter most to people, like health care and education.”

“I was working as a first aid instructor, and even with what I was making combined with income assistance, I struggled hard to make ends meet. I was so terrified of losing my home again that my money went to rent and other bills. I considered food to be optional," said Sarah Parker, who is currently working with others like herself to improve the lives of people with low to moderate income. "I remember my first trip to the food bank. Tears were running down my cheek and I was fighting off a panic attack that was brewing. But I'm 1 in 20 people that uses a food bank. We are your family members, coworkers, teachers, neighbors, coaches, our elderly and vulnerable and the list continues.”

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