Claire Trottier was born into a wealthy family that had disproportionate financial resources compared to the general population, and she quickly recognized this. Just as she was very quickly made aware of the inequalities that exist on a global level and that also exist in Quebec. In her opinion, it is necessary that the rich and ultra-rich make their fair contribution and participate fully in all of society’s challenges through correct taxation.
Posted yesterday at 6:30am
Most of the time, during this tax filing period, we hear people complaining about the excessive tax burden they have to bear.
It is pointed out that members of the middle and upper classes are taxed unfairly compared to wealthy individuals who have every possible means of avoiding the tax they pay or minimizing their contributions.
Claire Trottier, daughter of Lorne Trottier, co-founder of the hugely successful tech company Matrox since its inception in 1976, also believes the rich aren’t paying their fair share in taxes and that it’s time for a change.
For four years, Claire Trottier signed a manifesto on the fringes of the World Economic Forum in Davos together with 200 millionaires and billionaires from all over the world, which calls for the levying of a tax on wealth and estates of large fortunes.
“I’ve read a lot on this topic and I’m not the only wealthy person who wants to campaign for more tax justice. In the US there are groups like Patriotic Millionaires that have been campaigning for a restructuring of the American tax system for years.
“In Canada, I joined the Resources in motion group, which brings together young people in their 20s and 30s from wealthy families who also want to pay their fair share of taxes,” explains the philanthropist and activist.
The tax model these movements seek to establish is simple: it involves imposing a wealth tax of 2% on wealth over $5 million, 3% on wealth over $50 million, and finally 5% on family wealth over $1 billion. A tax that, according to Claire Trottier, could bring in up to $50 billion in Canada.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Claire Trotier
Ms Trottier does not wish to comment on how the wealth levels of these new contributors would be determined, she is not a tax expert and it is not her fault but the government’s.
Wouldn’t such measures encourage the increased use of tax havens, which are already widespread among the very wealthy?
“Tax havens already exist and that is another issue that needs to be addressed anyway. The status quo is unacceptable. Such a tax would change absolutely nothing about the way I live and would give governments additional resources to address the major problems of the time,” stresses Claire Trottier.
React to crises
Claire Trottier, who holds PhDs in Immunology and Virology from McGill University, left her professorship at McGill two years ago to pursue philanthropic activities within the Trottier Family Foundation and her duties as President of the Board of the NPO Collectif Bienvenue.
“We founded this NPO in 2017 to support asylum seekers. We rely on the circular economy to help refugees, they find furniture, clothes that we get directly from donors. We also offer them psychosocial support,” explains Claire Trottier.
The explosion in the number of asylum seekers passing through Roxham Road has put immense pressure on the Collectif Bienvenue, which is being overwhelmed with requests from literally all quarters.
PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER, SPECIAL COLLABORATION
Claire Trotier
We are confronted with climate change, the housing crisis, inflation hitting the poorest, the migration crisis… The richest have to play their part. When I was a teacher I was taxed more than I am now because I get dividends.
Claire Trottier, philanthropist and activist
The Trottier Family Foundation, which was endowed with more than 230 million last year before the sale of part of Matrox’s activities to the American Zebra Technologies for 1.1 billion, is nevertheless actively involved in the areas of climate change, health, education and science .
“Yes, but philanthropy won’t solve everything. We cannot rely solely on the generosity of a few, the rich must do their part. Generosity cannot replace justice. In the US even [Joe] Biden mentioned it in his State of the Union address by proposing a tax on billionaires, the idea is gaining traction and moving forward,” said Claire Trottier.