Beaver Bank (D2N) – During his campaign tour of the province, Premiere Rodney MacDonald included a visit to a young family at their home in Beaver... Full Article
Beaver Bank (D2N) – During his campaign tour of the province, Premiere Rodney MacDonald included a visit to a young family at their home in Beaver Bank. On May 7 the premier stopped by and listened to the concerns of Brent and Jill Larsen regarding taxes in Nova Scotia.
The Larsen’s have a three and a half year old daughter, Gracie. Brent runs their company, Steep Hill Solutions, which distributes the popular Omega Crunch shelled flax product, while his wife is kept busy as a stay-at-home mom. The family has lived in Beaver Bank for four years.
The premier spoke candidly about taxes, a topic which is not only a concern of the Larsen’s, but of most Nova Scotians. If re-elected MacDonald said his government will continue to lower taxes for the next four years.
As a small business owner, Brent says lowering taxes is a very important issue. “We launched our product at the Farmers Market in Halifax and it went really well,” he said. “Since then we’ve grown. For us, lower taxes means more investment money will be available for us to use. We can filter it back into the economy and in my opinion that is better for everyone.”
Waverley-Fall River-Beaver Bank Progressive Conservative candidate Gary Hines was at the Larsen’s home with the premier. “I am proud of the governments’ record of cutting taxes,” said Hines. “The premier understands the pressures young families like the Larsen’s are facing.”
The 2006 budget introduced measures to reduce the personal income tax burden over four years. Starting January 1, 2007, Nova Scotia’s basic personal amount increased by $250 to $7,481. The basic personal amount will increase by another $250 a year until it reaches $8,231 by 2010 – an increase of $1000 over 2006. “We made a commitment and we stood by our commitment, and Nova Scotians are better off today for it,” MacDonald said.
The premier has promised to extend his tax program for another four years, meaning another $1000, for a total of $9,231 that Nova Scotians will earn before they pay provincial tax.
“I am a firm believer people should have the opportunity to decide where they want to put their money,” said Macdonald.
The premier said he thinks the plan is one Nova Scotians like. “It puts more money back in the hands of individuals,” he said. It is also something he thinks tax payers will remember when it comes time to vote. “I believe Nova Scotians will make the right choice.”
In addition, under the Tory plan, personal non-refundable credits are set to increase by 3.457 percent annually or 13.83 percent over this period. The estimated 4-year cost of these measures is $113 million in personal tax revenues foregone.
The four year plan to increase the amount will be faster than projected
inflation over this period.
Additional credits will also be increased in line with the basic personal exemption-including the spousal, dependent, pension, disability, and caregiver amounts. Over four years, this will save Nova Scotians an estimated $113 million in provincial income taxes.
“I think to be competitive, our taxes have to be lower to attract new business to the province,” said Brent, adding he is open to all tax cuts. “I like the idea of more money in my pocket instead of in the government’s pocket, and them spending my money. There should be taxes of course, but they should be competitive with the other provinces. I don’t have all the facts, but I heard New Brunswick is talking about being the lowest in North America, and they are right next door.”
Hines is pleased with the premier’s plan. “It was a pleasure to join Premier MacDonald at the Larsen home in Beaver Bank to roll out a commitment to reduce taxes for Nova Scotia families,” Hines said. “The premier is very familiar with the costs of raising a young family and we as a party will continue to recognize the need for disposable income in the hands of Nova Scotians that can help in today’s economy. The Larsens – Brent, Jill, and Gracie – were very gracious hosts and when the invitation by Gracie to try the trampoline was accepted by the premier, even the media were amazed by a stellar performance.”
MacDonald quickly accepted Gracie’s impromptu invitation to try out her backyard trampoline. He kicked off his shoes and bounced high into the air, much to the delight of both Gracie and the media who were present. The wet weather soon discouraged Gracie and she climbed down, but MacDonald, a former gym teacher, stayed on a while longer, letting out the occasional “whoop” here and there before disembarking.
Hines spoke to little Gracie. “Isn’t he a funny man?” he said of MacDonald’s amusing antics.
Before continuing on his way, the premier thanked the Larsen’s for allowing him the opportunity to stop by their home and listen to the issues they say are important to them. And he didn’t forget to include their daughter when expressing his appreciation; MacDonald extended his hand to give the little girl a high five. He thanked her for the invitation to try out her trampoline. “Thank you for allowing us to take over your yard Gracie,” said the premier.
