Progressive Conservatives kick off campaign with recommitment to HST tax cut

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(September 20, 2024) - Blaine Higgs, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of New Brunswick kicked off the official campaign period by recommitting to cutting two percentage points off the HST.

The promise, which will help New Brunswickers manage cost of living challenges, was reiterated at an event at a local car dealership in Edmundston.

The HST will be cut to 14% in Budget 2025, and then to 13% in Budget 2026. When fully implemented, it will save the average New Brunswick family $1000.

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“We are serious about addressing affordability challenges and that’s what this tax cut does,” stated Higgs.

 

“Our promise to cut taxes for New Brunswickers is in stark contrast to the Liberals’ refusal to even consider cutting the HST, and their support for Justin Trudeau’s carbon tax. The Liberal leader has said on social media that she finds the idea of adding a ‘sugar tax’ to be of interest to her.”

“History shows us that Susan Holt is very comfortable raising taxes. Life will even more expensive if the Liberals are elected.”

At the end of the former Liberal government’s last term, the province was left with increased debt, a reduced credit rating, and a population leaving for opportunity in other provinces.

 

In contrast, after six years of a Progressive Conservative government, about $2.5 billion of debt has been repaid, the provincial credit rating has been repaired, and people are not just staying in New Brunswick, they’re returning home for the opportunities available here.

Responsible fiscal policies and management have ensured that Progressive Conservatives can deliver the first one per cent tax cut in Budget 2025 if re-elected on October 21, and the full two per cent by the following year.

“New Brunswickers cannot afford to go back into the red with another Liberal government,” concluded Higgs. “We have worked so hard to improve our province’s economy and outlook to fall back. Unfortunately, a regression into the red is exactly what Susan Holt would deliver.”

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For further information, contact
Bob Fowlie Bob.Fowlie@pcnb.ca
Heidi Cyr Heidi.Cyr@pcnb.ca