Parties planning to filibuster deficit reduction levy in wake of complaints

The date for the vote on the provincial budget hasn't been announced yet, but the Tories and NDP say that whenever that happens, they plan to filibusterat the House of Assembly.

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PC Leader Paul Davis told reporters Wednesday thatextending the debate before Bill 14 the legislation that willenact the controversial deficit reductionlevycomes to a votewill be an opportunity to answer residents' questions.

"We hear complaints and issues and problems everyday with people understanding what's in the budget. What's coming in budget No. 2this fall?" said Davis, referring to a mini-budget that is expected to include steeper cuts to the public service.

"We don't know that yet as well, and people are still looking for more information and a filibuster is a good way to do that," he said.

The NDP saidit also plans to filibuster largely because of the flood of complaints about the deficit reduction levy, a set amountall taxpayers who make over $25,000 will be required to pay annually.

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"We have been bombardedsince April 14, with people who are opposed to the levy," said Michael.

'Everybody recognizes the lack of fairness."- Lorraine Michael

"Everybody recognizes the lack of fairness, the injustice that's involved and I think it would be irresponsible of us if we didn't do everything possible to have as much debate and bring their voices into the House of Assembly," she said.

"We have hundreds and hundreds of messages from people."

Michael saidthe NDP will cooperate with the Tories during the filibuster.