The NDP have it wrong. The idea of waging class warfare may appeal to some but  won't win hearts and minds - and votes. They should focus on tax fairness which in the end it is mostly about how it is perceived. Low income earners feel high income earners should pay more - even a higher percentage taxation. While high income earners feel progressive tax discourages people to start businesses and move up the income scale.

Both are right. In the 60's the UK over taxed its citizens to the point where a lot of wealth left the UK. Remember The Beatles Taxman - "I take 19 you take 5" was their reference to 95% marginal tax on high income.

A flatter tax with a generous personal exemption would seem fairest. High incomers would pay more but perceived as fair and it would not discourage upward mobility. But it is very difficult to implement politically. You can just imagine the negative ads.

The NDP will tact to the left and be in the wilderness for another 30 years or so.

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