The debate continues over Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his government’s proposed changes to the capital gains tax.
An X post from the Liberal Party leader on Tuesday reignited the heated discussions over the changes.
“We’re asking the very wealthiest to profit a little less off their capital gains — to pay their fair share — so we can reinvest it in the middle class,” wrote Trudeau.
We’re asking the very wealthiest to profit a little less off their capital gains — to pay their fair share — so we can reinvest it in the middle class.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 18, 2024
The post has garnered 1.5 million views and thousands of reactions since then.
If you haven’t been following, the federal government introduced the capital gains tax hike in its 2024 budget in April as part of its goal to improve tax fairness in Canada.
The changes were officially proposed last week after Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland tabled a ways and means motion in the House of Commons on Monday, which is the first step before legislation is tabled.
The tax hike, which takes effect on June 25, will only impact a small portion (0.13%) of the wealthy population.
According to the government, the inclusion rate for any Canadian individual or corporation that makes over $250,000 per year in capital gains will be increased from half (50%) to two-thirds (66%).
You can find an example of how a wealthy person might be impacted here.
Many are outraged by the tax, calling it “theft” instead of a “fair share.”
It’s not a fair share, it’s theft
— Alberta-Leonidas (@AlbertaLeonidas) June 18, 2024
“Asking? That’s quite the euphemism. I’m tired of paying half of my wages for you to just waste it,” added another.
Asking? That’s quite the euphemism.
I’m tired of paying half of my wages for you to just waste it.
— Miranda Veracruz de la Jolla Cardinal 🍎🍏 (@MVdlJCardinal) June 18, 2024
Shopify President Harley Finkelstein chimed in, saying that the capital gains tax hike is “divisive and political.”
I truly love Canada. And I am fiercely Canadian. This country will always be my home and I try my best to always spread 🇨🇦 pride all over the world.
But this isn’t the way to unite us and move us forward. This is divisive and political.
We’re better than this. https://t.co/j7NGAQCGet
— Harley Finkelstein (@harleyf) June 19, 2024
Ben Mulroney, son of former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, reposted Finkelstein in support of his position.
“If you say something like this is an innovation and investment killer, I listen,” wrote Mulroney.
Harley not only does nobody doubt your love of Canada, but you have proven to be one of the most insightful voices defending and celebrating small business and entrepreneurs in this country. If you say something like this is an innovation and investment killer, I listen https://t.co/MEizC2CaPs
— Ben Mulroney (@BenMulroney) June 19, 2024
However, other Canadians pointed out that the capital gains inclusion rate was higher while Mulroney’s dad was running the country.
“None of the Mulroneys seem to remember when their dad was PM,” reads one post, which has a screenshot from a Scotiabank article listing the history of inclusion rates since 1972.
None of the Mulroneys seem to remember when their dad was PM https://t.co/xxTva4Ldxs pic.twitter.com/QUVmgTZoLB
— Noelle (@Noellenarwhal) June 19, 2024
“The capital gains inclusion rate was at or above 66.6% for 12 years previously, and small businesses didn’t fail, professional corporations didn’t die,” added another X user in agreement.
The capital gains inclusion rate was at or above 66.6% for 12 years previously and small businesses didn’t fail, professional corporations didn’t die, people with rental properties still were able to sell them, people retired comfortably, the sky didn’t fall https://t.co/VWakPdoAna
— Steve Manta (@mantalicious) June 20, 2024
Others shared their support for the tax hike.
Someone who made $10M in salary last year criticizing the capital gains changes is kind of making the Liberals case for them.
— Greg MacEachern (@gmacofglebe) June 19, 2024
What do you think of the capital gains tax hike? How might it affect you? Let us know in the comments or email us at [email protected].