A coalition that defends the poorest is indignant at the announced tax cuts, which it finds downright “irresponsible”, while public services “are cracking everywhere”.
In its brief tabled in anticipation of Finance Minister Eric Girard’s budget, the Coalition for a Poverty-Free Quebec instead asks him to reinvest in public services and tighten the meshes of the social net.
The coalition also argues that the tax cuts will not benefit those who need them most, but those with higher incomes.
“The current government keeps saying ‘we’re going to put money back in the pockets of Quebeckers.’ Well, maybe we should start saying it’s in whose pockets that we’re going to put the most money, precisely,” thunders Serge Petitclerc, spokesperson for the coalition, in an interview on Thursday.
He notes that according to the calculations, people who receive an income of $100,000 will thus receive a tax reduction of $800. ” Is it normal ? asks Mr. Petitclerc.
He reports that people who earn “minimum wage or a little more are going to food banks” and that the situation has worsened with the rise in food prices in recent months. Consequently, we cannot “deprive ourselves of income of $2 billion per year” with such tax cuts, he pleads.
For reinvestment
In addition to a reinvestment in the health, education and childcare networks, the coalition calls for the strengthening of the safety net of social assistance, educational assistance, pensions and other programs. support for the poor.
She also pleads for an increase in the solidarity tax credit, which already helps low-income taxpayers.
“We should avoid at all costs the vicious circle that has been created for several years, that is to say: each time we lower taxes, it leads to additional deficits, which require austerity, budgetary rigour, cuts. Which will lead to a new surplus, which we will bring back with tax cuts, which will lead to austerity. Basically, we are going in circles, ”laments Mr. Petitclerc.
The Coalition for a Poverty-Free Quebec brings together 36 community, student, cooperative, feminist, union and religious organizations.