Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris spoke out against the Liberal government’s proposed tax hikes and outlined how they will hurt Westman small businesses and farm families during a House of Commons debate.

Due to the complexities of the proposed tax hikes and the fact that harvest is still in full swing, Maguire asked for an extension to the consultations which are set to close on October 2nd.

“The Liberals are either completely unaware what happens in rural Canada during September and October or they purposely selected this date hoping farmers would be too busy during harvest,” said Maguire.
The proposed tax hikes from the Liberal government are incredibly complex and ambiguous, and will significantly increase the cost and uncertainty for small business and farm corporations to file their taxes, regardless of whether they are considered wealthy or middle class.

The rules on capital gains planning have been written so broadly, they could have adverse impacts on small business and farm corporations that haven't been publicized or considered by the Department of Finance.

Maguire argues that given that these changes represent the most significant changes to corporate taxation in Canada since 1972, the Department of Finance has not allowed for proper consultation with taxpayers, academics, tax professionals (accountants and lawyers), and other stakeholders to ensure the changes accomplish the intentions of the government without causing significant hardships to farm families and small business owners.

“There are some significant tax changes being proposed and no one, not even Liberal MPs fully understand the long-term consequences,” said Maguire.

Since the proposed tax hikes were announced, countless letters, emails and phone calls from Westman farmers and small business owners have poured into Maguire’s office. Many are upset about the tone and language the Liberals have used in promoting their tax hikes.

Maguire is quick to point out that they have a right to be frustrated with the Liberal government. He said, “They are fed up with a Finance Minister that essentially calls them tax cheats.”
Since Parliament resumed for the fall sitting, the Finance Minister has consistently stuck to his tight scripted talking points which has disappointed many of the individuals who have serious concerns about the changes the Liberals are proposing.

“These are good people, hardworking people, these are honest people who are being demonized by the Liberals just to pay for their out of control spending.”

Maguire has also been taking on the Liberal government over their assertion that tax hikes are “fair.” He believes there is nothing fair about their taxes being hiked as the Liberal government is shielding large multinational corporations. He also argued there is nothing fair how the Liberal government wants to make it more difficult for farmers to sell land to their own children.