Doctors to fight back on tax proposal

Finance Minister Bill Morneau’s proposal to restrict the use of private corporations as a tax-saving vehicle will hit many professionals hard, but especially doctor,s who are mounting a publicity campaign against it and gathering allies from other affected groups.

Dr. Shawn Whatley, president of the Ontario Medical Association, said MPs can expect to start hearing from the 29,000 practicing doctors in his organization, about 70 per cent of whom have incorporated. The leadership of the Ontario Medical Association has published numerous opinion columns blasting the proposal since it was released on July 18. “If implemented, these proposals will make Canada an undesirable place to practice,” Whatley wrote in the Toronto Star. Dr. Charles Shaver said the changes “could have a major cost impact on their patients and clients,” and said it adds to the “poisonous” climate in Ontario.