While Gary Doer and his Finance Minister Greg Selinger claim their paltry tax cuts are making Manitoba more competitive, the NDP has implemented a variety of user fees hitting Manitobans in the wallet in other ways, says Leader of the Official Opposition, Hugh McFadyen. 

“The Finance Minister boasts to Manitobans that since coming into power eight years ago, the NDP has taken strides to reduce taxes in our province,” said McFadyen.  “Unfortunately, he is only telling one side of the story.  On one hand, the NDP is creating the illusion that taxes are going down, while on the other hand, it has charged Manitobans user fees in excess of $450 million - cancelling out any tax relief.”

He said unbeknownst to Manitobans, our overall tax load of has not gone down.

“Every possible permit, fee and license has increased under the NDP,” said McFadyen, citing the expansion of the PST to things such as plumbing and legal services to a $10 increase in marriage licenses this year. 

McFadyen said even with an unprecedented amount of transfers from the federal government, the NDP government still can’t live within its means.

“In Budget 2007 alone “fees and other revenues” went up by $19.2 million or 4.8%. While Saskatchewan has cut its PST by 2% and is doubling us in terms of job growth, it concerns me that at a time when we’re losing our young people left, right and centre, NDP would prefer to hide the truth from Manitobans, rather than address problem in an open and transparent manner.”

McFadyen said Manitoba needs real tax relief to become competitive with our neighbours to the west. 

“Imaginary tax cuts and sneaky back door user fees will only cause Manitoba to fall further behind and will do nothing to stem the tide of young people leaving in search of better opportunities and a better quality of life.”