Dissenting Liberal ready for ‘consequences’
A Liberal MP from New Brunswick says he felt he had no choice but to vote against his own party when it came to extending the consultations on the government’s proposed tax changes — and is ready to face the consequences.
Wayne Long was the only Liberal to break ranks and vote in favour of a Conservative motion to extend the consultation period on the tax changes, which closed on Monday. The motion, defeated Tuesday by a vote of 198-89, would have extended the consultations to January. The NDP voted against the motion.
“When I saw the motion, I was like, 'I can’t vote against this,'" Long said on Wednesday. “Because that’s exactly what I want, it’s exactly what my constituents want, and I’m always going to do what’s best for my constituents.”
The proposed crackdown on the tax breaks available through private corporations has infuriated many business groups, and Long had warned his party he couldn’t support the proposals.
The government says its intention is to stop the wealthy from avoiding income taxes by diverting money through such corporations, but opponents say the changes would unfairly punish business owners who take on risks that salaried employees don’t.
Speaking to reporters, Long said he’s prepared to face punishment from the party for his vote. Such punishment, if it’s handed out, often takes the form of reduced responsibilities in Parliament, such as membership on committees. But in some cases MPs are booted from caucus.
“I think there’s no surprise that there could be consequences to my vote,” he said. "I’m certainly prepared to accept consequences. But in the end, I need to look in the mirror, I need to do what’s right for me, what’s right for my riding, and represent my constituents.
“During the election campaign I talked long and often about how I would be Saint John-Rothesay’s representative in Ottawa, not Ottawa’s representative in Saint John Rothesay. And I meant that.”
Long pointed out that he once ran a small business himself, and knows the risks entrepreneurs face. He said he’s optimistic the government’s final proposal will fix many of the problems highlighted by critics, but is still upset at how the consultation was run.
“The consultation period started in July, people weren’t ready for it. Certainly in my riding, people were immediately on the defensive. And that’s not how to do proper consultation.”
He also said the Liberals have damaged their reputation with how the debate was framed.
“I think our prime minister is doing a wonderful job nationally and internationally,” he said. “I just felt very strongly that this process wasn’t right. It wasn’t what we’re about as a party. We’re not about pitting doctors against nurses, lawyers against plumbers, farmers against professionals. That’s not what we’re about.”
Though other Liberal MPs had publicly expressed concerns with the tax plan, Long said he has no regrets about being the only one to actually cast a vote against the party.
With the consultation period now ended, Finance Minister Bill Morneau is expected to roll out the final package of reforms well before the December break — possibly in the government’s fall fiscal update.
Morneau has been seeking to reassure farmers and other small business owners that the government will make the changes necessary to ensure they won’t be hit with unintended consequences.
“Changes are going to be required — as we move forward we will have more information on timing,” Morneau told reporters on Tuesday.
“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.”