Members of European Parliament vote in favour of Robin Hood Tax but Canada’s Finance Minister Jim Flaherty continues to oppose its introduction.
Ottawa (14 Mar. 2011) - The European Parliament has voted to support a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT and also called the Robin Hood Tax) setting the stage for upcoming G8 and G20 meetings in France.
The Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted 360 – 299 in favour of the motion that “the EU should promote the introduction of a FTT at global level; failing that, the EU should implement a FTT at European level as a first step" and "calls on the Commission swiftly to produce a feasibility study, taking into account the need for a global level playing field, and to come forward with concrete legislative proposals.
The vote by the MEPs has received widespread support from global advocates for the tax. Anton Kerr, head of policy with the International HIV/AIDS Alliance said that “the European Parliament has shown leadership to ensure that the financial sector pays a fair share.”
“We are all paying the price for the reckless speculative behaviour of the financial sector - but the poorest at home and abroad are paying the greatest price as funding for health is being cut.
Canada seen as barrier to progress
The Robin Hood Tax will be on the agenda at the upcoming G8 and G20 meetings in France. Unfortunately, despite growing support for a Robin Hood Tax, Canada’s Finance Minister Jim Flaherty continues to oppose its introduction.
James Clancy, national president of the 340,000 member National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE), lamented Canada’s efforts to block the proposal in a letter to the President of France.
"Unfortunately, our federal government has not similarly embraced the policy proposal. In fact, they played an obstructionist role in efforts to discuss the FTT at the G8 and G20 meetings in Canada," wrote Clancy.
"We want to assure you that the FTT enjoys considerable support in Canada. Most Canadians want to see greater action on global poverty and climate change and look to the G8 and G20 to bring forward innovative funding mechanisms like the FTT. "
International Day of Action showed growing support
In the lead up to the leaders meetings in France activists around the world have been actively campaigning for the Robin Hood Tax.
On February 17th actions were held in 25 countries including almost all the G20 nations. Activists in Canada used the date to relaunch it’s campaign for the tax.
Canadian advocates for the Robin Hood Tax have been meeting with government representatives and the staff of a number of Embassies to lobby for support.
The are also planning a series of events and actions across Canada over the next couple months.
NUPGE
The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE
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