Madam Speaker, it is always an honour to rise on behalf of the residents of Kelowna—Lake Country. I rise today to address an issue that worries most of the residents in my riding of Kelowna—Lake Country, and this is the NDP-Liberal government's continued commitment to higher taxation. On April 1, the carbon tax and the excise tax on alcoholic beverages are going to go up again, and the capital gains tax has gone up, impeding investments and retirements.
First is the Prime Minister's favourite tax on everything: the carbon tax. Despite widespread opposition against the carbon tax from the majority of Canadians, 62% according to a recent Leger poll, and a majority of premiers across all political parties, the Liberal environment minister confirmed this past week that his government will still increase its carbon tax by 19% on April 1. The NDP-Liberal plan to quadruple the carbon tax to 61¢ a litre by the end of this decade is just wrong for farmers, businesses, families and our economy.
The Fraser Institute reported that the carbon tax will result in 57,000 fewer jobs and a 6.2% reduction in Canada's GDP. The Parliamentary Budget Officer has already confirmed that Canadian families suffer a net cost from the carbon tax, paying far more in taxes than they receive back in rebates. That is fewer dollars in Canadians' pockets while doing nothing for our environment. On top of this, GST is charged on the carbon tax. This is a tax on a tax, which is absolutely wrong.
Recently, I had the privilege of attending meetings of the trade committee to ask witnesses about the damaging impacts of the Liberal capital gains tax hike. The Council of Canadian Innovators commissioned a survey of entrepreneurs, and the results showed that 90% of respondents believe the Liberals' capital gains tax hike would negatively affect the innovation economy. We heard from many entrepreneurs and investors that Canada will be less competitive for talent, investment and capital in the global market because of this capital gains tax hike.
Arlene Dickinson, the legendary Canadian venture capitalist best known for supporting small business owners on Dragons' Den, told me she did not believe the Liberal budget when it said, “Increasing the capital gains inclusion rate is not expected to hurt Canada's business competitiveness.” Instead of supporting our entrepreneurs, the NDP-Liberal government views them only as a cash cow.
Last, coming from a region with many wineries, cideries, distilleries and breweries, I must raise the Liberals' commitment to raising the alcohol escalator excise tax by 2% again next year. Speaking with residents of mine who work in this sector, I know the pressures on their bottom line. These costs will only be passed on to our local retailers, restaurant owners and other licensees, putting unnecessary economic pressure on an industry in the heart of the Okanagan.
Tax increases ultimately always get passed on to the consumer. Canadians cannot afford the squeeze anymore. The NDP-Liberal government's cost of living crisis will not end until it brings permanent, long-lasting tax relief for everyone.