Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger eyes higher taxes for the rich
Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger is considering a surtax on high-income earners.
In a year-end interview with The Canadian Press, Selinger says he has been looking at new income tax brackets being implemented in other provinces, as well as federally.
He says final decisions have not been made but if the idea proceeds, people will have input, possibly as part of the provincial election campaign in April.
The Alberta government recently implemented higher tax rates for people earning more than $125,000 a year.
Selinger says it's too early to discuss what a Manitoba surtax rate might be, or at what income level it would kick in.
The premier also hinted a high-income surtax might at least be partially offset by tax cuts for middle- and low-income earners.
The province's balanced budget law requires a referendum before any major tax hikes, but Selinger says he does not feel bound by that law.
He points to a court ruling last year concerning a sales-tax increase, which said the law was unconstitutional.
