Article content

RIVIERE-DU-LOUP, Que. — Stephen Harper is making a promise to keep his promise.

Harper says a re-elected Conservative government would bring in legislation prohibiting increases to federal tax rates.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Harper promises 'tax lock' legislation during Quebec campaign stop that would ban federal tax hikes Back to video

Harper announced in Quebec today that he would pass so-called “tax lock” legislation prohibiting increases to federal, personal and business income taxes, sales taxes and “discretionary payroll taxes” such as CPP and EI.

It’s a largely a symbolic gesture as the Conservatives have already pledged not to increase taxes, and a future government could just repeal the legislation.

The Conservatives say the law would still allow them to close tax loopholes and address “tax avoidance schemes.”

Harper has already promised to reduce payroll taxes by 20 per cent, make a home renovation tax credit permanent and provide tax relief to single and widowed seniors, saying the other parties would raise taxes.