OTTAWA– A motion introduced by Liberal Finance critic and MP for Kings–Hants Scott Brison directing the finance committee to study the issue of income inequality was passed this week in the House of Commons.
“Canadians believe this is an increasingly important issue and I am extremely pleased that the finance committee will now be able to examine the problem and consider how it can be addressed,” said Mr. Brison. “Growing income inequality and declining opportunity could have a tremendous social and economic cost if not addressed.”
Mr. Brison’s successful motion, M-315, drew support from all parties and passed 161-138, with only Conservative MPs voting against the measure. It will see a study undertaken by the Standing Committee on Finance that will make recommendations to Parliament on how best to improve equality of opportunity and prosperity for all Canadians.
“Income inequality is a complex issue but if we can understand it better we should then be able to propose measures to address it,” said Mr. Brison. “The social costs of the problem are probably more costly than the solutions.”
Mr. Brison fears that if people lose faith in a market-based economy where success is rewarded, they could be drawn to politicians offering anti-market policies, which could be even worse for the economy.
Liberal