Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To help my colleague out, I have some notes here I could indicate, to him, that the elimination of the federal three percent surtax for individuals earning less than $50,000, there will be some benefit for people between $50 and $65,000 and no change on the three percent surtax on $65,000 above. This measure will also benefit higher income taxpayers in the north that they claim the northern deduction or RRSP contribution, so I believe there is a benefit there. On the other side of the equation, the tax-free component of low-income families will increase by $500 for single taxpayers and by $1,000 for families of two or more. This will be a benefit to northerners. That is the only point I am trying to make here. I am certainly an advocate of tax cuts as everybody knows. We certainly indicated that in the last two budgets. I am encouraged by the fact these are on the table right now and as we move forward for further provincial, territorial and federal discussions with Mr. Martin for the coming years, we now have an opening to see if we can encourage him to do more. Thank you.
John Todd on Question 444-13(5): Federal Budget Impacts On The Nwt
In the Legislative Assembly on February 25th, 1998. See this statement in context.
Further Return To Question 444-13(5): Federal Budget Impacts On The Nwt
Question 444-13(5): Federal Budget Impacts On The Nwt
Item 6: Oral Questions
February 24th, 1998
Page 1106
John Todd Keewatin Central
See context to find out what was said next.