Taxation has become the icing on many issues in this federal election, but I would like to point out the ridiculousness of Stephen Harper's assertions that Canadians are over-taxed, especially compared to the United States.
According to page A4 of today's Globe and Mail, the countries in the G7 take in tax revenue (as a % of GDP) in the following amounts (as of 2003, except the USA and Japan -- stats are for 2002):
Canada--> 33.5
France--> 44.2
Germany--> 36.2
Italy--> 41.1
Japan--> 27.3
United Kingdom--> 35.9
U.S.A.--> 28.9
According to the same article, when compared to other OECD countries, "Canada is very competitive on payroll and consumption taxes", and in general we are very much in the middle of the taxation pack. Indeed, this could very well improve, as our general economic condition (balanced budgets, no deficits, etc...) places us in an excellent position compared to other countries that did not economically cut and restructure (as Canada did in the mid 90s). The United States and European nations may require tax increases to bolster revenue -- something Canada can all but avoid.
Meanwhile, Stephen Harper thinks Canadians can eventually be taxed at a LOWER rate than Americans? Has the man stopped to consider what the low American tax rate has given that nation? No public health care, crumbling social and educational services, and the slow realization that there is not enough money to start paying for their ballooning deficit. In fact, many jurisdictions have defeated referendums on raising taxes...despite the fact that there isn't enough local or state revenue to fix schools and hospitals!
But Americans hate their taxes, so there will be no tax increases. Well, let's get one thing straight: you want services from the government? Then you pay for them -- it's as simple as that. Canadians want government services, and most are willing to pay for them. I would be very wary of trusting Mr. Harper, who in one breath says he's going to spend four years massively cutting taxes (to the tune of $16 BILLION), yet in the next breath, claims he will invest billions of extra dollars into not only health care, but a new pharmacare plan!
Hmm...the money tree that grows in the backyard of Stornoway must be miraculous.
