More tax cuts probable, Williams says

Danny Williams says a re-elected Progressive Conservative government will likely cut Newfoundland and Labrador's income taxes.

Williams, whose government announced tax cuts amid an oil-fuelled budget surplus this spring, said further cuts are possible based on revenue projections for the next few years.

"I just think we owe that to the people in the province," said Williams, who is campaigning for re-election in the Oct. 9 general election.

"We've done a lot of things for low-income families, we've given them a lot of benefits, but the middle class in this province and the upper middle class have carried the weight of this of the burden in this province for a long time," he said.

"They need to get some benefits back from it."

Williams has already suggested that wage increases are in store for public servants with a new PC government, although he has shied away from specifics, saying those issues should be left for the bargaining table.

The PCs are not the only party to promise some sort of tax relief.

The Liberals, for instance, have pledged to eliminate a gasoline tax and an insurance tax, and cut provincial taxes on home heating fuel. On income taxes, the Liberals have pledged to review the "personal income tax structure."

The New Democrats are also pledging similar tax cuts on heating fuel and insurance, and to cut taxes for lower-income residents. The NDP, though, wants to increase the tax burden for high-income families and corporations.