Ignatieff Denies Talks on Raising Taxes

Josh Pringle
Thursday, October 8, 2009

Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff insists he has no plans to raise taxes.

Ignatieff issued a statement after senior party insiders told The Canadian Press that Ignatieff is about to conduct an "adult conversation" with Canadians about the painful measures necessary to eliminate the deficit.

Officials say the discussion would include tax increases, major spending cuts and remaining in deficit for years.

The insiders told The Canadian Press that Ignatieff wouldn't disclose his own prescription for taming the deficit until the brink of an election.

In a statement, Ignatieff said "I've been clear, tax increases are not part of my plan."

The Liberal leader added "our economy is fragile. It's bad policy to add to the burden of middle and low-income households or small businesses" by raising taxes.

Party insiders indicate Ignatieff intends to kick off the discussion of the tough choices ahead with a speech to business leaders in London.

The Federal Government is projecting a $56 billion fiscal deficit this year.