While Canadian physicians have been leading the charge against a draft proposal to tighten the rules on “income sprinkling,” passive investment and other tax minimization techniques used by self-incorporated high-earners, the organization representing tens of thousands of registered nurses has come out in support of the controversial changes.

In a statement released Wednesday, Canadian Nurses Association President Barb Shellian said the group is backing Morneau’s bid to create tax policy “based on the principles of social justice” – namely, treating all sources of income “similarly and equitably.”

“Accordingly, CNA supports the proposed changes to the federal tax code which reasonably strengthen the rules on increasingly-popular but potentially unfair tax advantages for incorporated high income earners.”

In an effort to ramp up the pressure on Liberal MPs, a delegation of Canadian Medical Association members, including newly elected president Gigi Osler, has descended on Kelowna, where the governing party caucus is holding a closed-door pre-sitting strategy session.

During a roundtable discussion with doctors on Tuesday afternoon, the CMA Twitter account churned out a steady stream of tweets quoting key concerns about the proposed changes, particularly from female physicians.

We are hearing stories from female physicians on how the #unfairtaxchanges will impact their medical practice. #Kelowna — CanadianMedicalAssoc (@CMA_Docs) September 5, 2017

1stgen Cdn female physician says new graduates be greatly affected as they accumulate a great debt load. #Taxfairness 1/2 — CanadianMedicalAssoc (@CMA_Docs) September 5, 2017

And as a woman, she may not be able to finance a maternity leave should the proposed changes go ahead. #unfairtaxchanges 2/2 — CanadianMedicalAssoc (@CMA_Docs) September 5, 2017

‘Being called a “tax cheat” is demoralizing. I don’t see how the govt can expect us to continue working in those conditions.’ — CanadianMedicalAssoc (@CMA_Docs) September 5, 2017

‘When the govt vilifies you, they are not acknowledging all the sacrifices made by female physicians’. #unfairtaxchanges — CanadianMedicalAssoc (@CMA_Docs) September 5, 2017

‘We must let govt know that they are rushing & may not understand actual implications of what they are proposing.’ #TaxFairness — CanadianMedicalAssoc (@CMA_Docs) September 5, 2017

‘Being called ‘cheats’ is very demeaning. I was using legitimate vehicles to plan for my retirement.’ #unfairtaxchanges — CanadianMedicalAssoc (@CMA_Docs) September 5, 2017

‘No women in Canada should have to choose between having a career or having children. But two of my colleagues had to.’ #unfairtaxchanges — CanadianMedicalAssoc (@CMA_Docs) September 5, 2017

‘Never planned for a posh retirement. Planned for a normal life. If this is grandfathered, I might as well stop now.’ #TaxFairness — CanadianMedicalAssoc (@CMA_Docs) September 5, 2017

In today’s statement, Shellian stresses that the CNA “strongly supports tax regimes that help small businesses” but it “also (believes) every level of government has a duty to ensure all taxpayers, including those earning the highest incomes, pay their fair share.

“We believe the aims of Minister Morneau’s proposed tax changes – first announced in budget 2017 and open for broad consultation – are responsible and can continue to support eligible Canadians trying to grow small businesses.

“Regarding equitable options for saving for the future, whether through vehicles such as TSFAs or RRSPs, or through private corporations, all Canadians should have the same room to save.”

Shellian closes by urging both CNA members and the public to get in touch with their own MPs and “lend their voice about the goal of tax fairness for all Canadians.”