Paul Martin says Canada can't afford lower taxes. In fact, he thinks they're downright un-Canadian. Today, he ridiculed the idea of tax relief for Canadians, and the concept of tax rates competitive with the United States.
But five years ago, he was all for lower taxes:
"Let me just say; I think taxes have got to come down. As fast as they can. If it can be done in one year, it should be done in one year; if it can be done in five years, do it in five." (Policy Options: Paul Martin on New Global Financial Architecture, Part 2, July-August 1999)
And just two years ago, Canadians tuned in the House of Commons as he pledged to make Canadian taxes lower than those in the United States. Let's roll the tapes:
"Our corporate taxes, in a couple of years, will be lower than the United States. Our capital gains taxes are now lower than the United States. Those are the kinds of policies that will lead to increased productivity." (House of Commons Debates, March 14, 2002)
But five years ago, he was all for lower taxes:
"Let me just say; I think taxes have got to come down. As fast as they can. If it can be done in one year, it should be done in one year; if it can be done in five years, do it in five." (Policy Options: Paul Martin on New Global Financial Architecture, Part 2, July-August 1999)
And just two years ago, Canadians tuned in the House of Commons as he pledged to make Canadian taxes lower than those in the United States. Let's roll the tapes:
"Our corporate taxes, in a couple of years, will be lower than the United States. Our capital gains taxes are now lower than the United States. Those are the kinds of policies that will lead to increased productivity." (House of Commons Debates, March 14, 2002)