Liberals will change tax plan after consultations, Bill Morneau says, amid major backlash

OTTAWA – Finance Minister Bill Morneau says changes will be required to the Trudeau government’s contentious proposals to reform parts of the tax system.

Morneau tells The Canadian Press that the government will review the feedback it received on the tax proposals during a 75-day consultation period that ended Monday.

1:54 Small business owners speak out against proposed federal tax changes

He says the government will respond with changes to its tax plan so that it meets its goal of making sure the system is fair and encourages investment.

Morneau also says he intends to provide clarity as soon as possible for small business owners, who have expressed concerns about the potential negative impacts of the proposals and the lingering uncertainty.

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The Trudeau government’s tax proposals have faced an onslaught of complaints from a range of sources – from entrepreneurs, to doctors, to tax professionals, to provincial leaders, to backbench Liberal MPs.

WATCH: Ongoing coverage of opposition to the Liberals’ proposed tax changes

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Morneau has pitched the changes as a necessity to end tax advantages unfairly exploited by some wealthy business owners, while opponents of the plan contend they will hurt middle-class business owners and damage the economy.

“Changes are going to be required – as wemove forward we will have more information on timing,” Morneau said Tuesday in a brief interview after facing a barrage of pointed questions from senators over the tax proposals.

“We do need to make sure we take into account people’s points of view. That means reviewing what we’ve received, making sure we fully understand it and responding appropriately.”

Earlier in the day, Morneau met with provincial and territorial premiers, some of whom have complained publicly about the federal proposals, to offer an explanation of the plan.

LISTEN: Former Dragon Bruce Croxon speaks out against the tax changes on AM640