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Tax increases should be ‘last resort’: Chamber of Commerce – Metro US

Tax increases should be ‘last resort’: Chamber of Commerce

The Halifax Chamber of Commerce issued a release Thursday saying the province should be looking at spending cuts first and see tax increases as “a last resort” to eliminate the deficit.

A two per cent increase to the HST is one option the NDP is exploring to help bring down the $525-million deficit when it releases its spring budget on April 6.

But chamber president Valerie Payn said in the release any tax increase is just a “fast fix” and would hurt the province’s competitiveness.

She also called a tax increase “a difficult pill to swallow” with the recent MLA expense scandal.

“A tax increase that is not mirrored by our competitors could have an effect on our province’s competitiveness regionally, nationally and internationally,” she said.

“Spending cuts and tight management control should not be looked at as a penalty for perceived wrongdoing, but the right thing to do to position this province in the best competitive position possible.”