Statement on Federal government approach to communications in tax debate

The New Brunswick Medical Society believes in healthy debates on public policy issues.  The Society also believes in tax fairness.  However, as an organization, we are very disappointed with the communications strategy being used by the Federal government on the issue of tax planning using private corporations. We believe that the strategy of pitting incorporated professionals and business persons against salaried employees is misleading.  We also believe that singling-out physicians in the debate is inappropriate.

An op-ed by Alaina Lockhart, Parliamentary Secretary for Small Business and Tourism and Member of Parliament for Fundy Royal published on page 7 of the October 2, 2017 edition of the Telegraph-Journal used both of these tactics.  First, Ms. Lockhart presented a scenario of earnings and taxes without any detailed calculations to support her assertions.  Second, Ms. Lockhart unfairly targeted doctors to make her point, although the current tax rules apply equally to all private corporations, regardless of the area of activity.

It is our hope that the Federal government will consider the recommendations made by multiple stakeholder groups representing small businesses across Canada and undertake real and meaningful consultations on the issue of tax fairness.

Dr. Dharm Singh, MD, FACS 
President, New Brunswick Medical Society