NDP, Liberals mull tax hike for wealthy Manitobans

High income earners in Manitoba could soon see more of their money go to the public coffers.

On Monday, Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger said he is exploring the idea of taxing the rich more in order to stay competitive.

"It's part of our annual budget deliberations, we look at these matters every year," said Selinger.

"We also want to make sure we stay tax competitive across the country. Many other jurisdictions have put on some form of tax on the higher income individuals and they've used that for a variety of reasons," he said.

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Manitoba Liberal leader Rana Bokhari said if her party is elected she may also look at raising taxes for wealthier citizens.

"But we're not committing to anything yet," said Bokhari.

"The key is lower and middle-income earners will not have to worry about their taxes being raised. We recognize that you're already struggling," she said.

Morden-Winkler Progressive Conservative MLA Cameron Friesen would not say whether or not his party would increase taxes for the wealthy, despite repeated questions by reporters.

"On income taxes we've said, Manitobans pay too much tax, every effort must be made with government to keep taxes low ... for Manitobans who are paying too much right now." Friesen said.

Friesen also took a shot at Selinger's timing on musing about a tax hike.

"It's four days before Christmas and here's when he chooses to put a lump of coal in the stockings of all Manitobans and tell them, by the way, start thinking about tax hikes," he said.

RAW: PCs, Liberals respond to province on possible surtax for high-income earners

9 years ago

Duration 1:15

Members of Manitoba's Progressive Conservatives and Liberal Party responded Monday to comments made by Premier Greg Selinger about a possible tax hike for higher-income earners.

Selinger hinted that a tax hike in Manitoba for higher income earners could mean a tax break for others.

"It's early days. Every year we look at ways to make life more affordable for middle-class and working families and we are looking at all the options at how we can do that again," he said.

Wealthier Canadians have been targeted by at least two high-profile tax increases in the last year. 

In Alberta, NDP Premier Rachel Notley has increased taxes for residents in that province earning more than $125,000 a year. And Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he will raise taxes for Canadians earning more than $200,000 a year.