Stop the Cuts. Fund our future. Raise corporate taxes instead.
NS Federation of Labour Responds to Federal Cuts Threatening Workers, Services, and the Economy
Nova Scotia Federation of Labour President Danny Cavanagh is raising urgent concerns after a new Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) report revealed federal plans to cut nearly $24 billion from public spending to help finance military increases and corporate tax breaks. “These cuts are real and they’re coming at the expense of workers and communities.
“That means job losses and weakened services for First Nations, veterans, refugees, municipalities, and more. The people who need help most will suffer, and so will our economy,” says Cavanagh.
According to the CCPA report, deep cuts are expected to hit:
- Health, education, housing, and infrastructure for First Nations
- Programs supporting veterans and refugees
- Research and science funding
- Transfers to municipalities and provinces
- Federal public service jobs
“These are good union jobs that support families and local businesses. Cutting them doesn’t save money; it drags down our GDP and hampers economic recovery,” Cavanagh added.
The Federation is critical of the political choices that consistently prioritize the interests of corporations and big business over those of workers and public services. “Workers are always being told to tighten our belts, while corporations and big business keep getting tax breaks and special deals,” said Cavanagh. “Why not ask big business to pay their fair share just like we do? That’s real fairness.”
Instead of cuts that hurt working people, the Nova Scotia Federation of Labour calls on the federal government to:
- Raise corporate tax rates to fair levels
- Close tax loopholes and crack down on offshore tax havens
- Invest in good union jobs and strengthen public services
- Protect and expand programs that put people before profits
“Workers didn’t create this mess and shouldn’t be made to pay for it,” Cavanagh says. A strong economy depends on the government safeguarding jobs rather than cutting them. It’s time for corporations and big business to pay their fair share.
