BC: The health tax grab

B.C.'s deficit is slated to total $5.6 billion by 2011 and the government seems to be hoping that higher tax revenue from greater economic growth will eventually reduce it. However, the hike in the Medical Services Plan (MSP) tax, otherwise known as the health tax, shows how B.C.'s deficit will more likely be defeated -- by stealth tax hikes -- if the government doesn't rein in spending. Read more »

Harper Should Start with MPs if he wants to Reform Canadian Pensions

It might be understandable if a number of Canadians didn’t appreciate Prime Minister Stephen Harper talking recently about reforming public sector pensions and Old Age Security (OAS) social assistance payments. After all, nobody likes the idea of their retirement plans changing ...  Read more »

Making the Museum More Taxpayer Friendly

Canadian Museum of Human Rights:Wikipedia/1ajs In a previous column, we explored the irony associated with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.The project’s transparency gaps, the fact taxpayers have been forced to donate to it and the unfairness of private sector employees, with no pension plan, having to pay for the museum’s golden pension plan were just a few ironic examples chronicled. Read more »

Canadian Museum for Human Irony

Canadian Museum of Human Rights:Wikipedia/1ajs Of all government projects, shouldn’t a “human rights” museum be transparent and up front with humans? Shouldn’t a “human rights” museum also not force taxpayers to donate to it?PART II: MAKING THE MUSEUM MORE TAXPAYER FRIENDLY  Read more »

BC: To Be Considered Truly Open, Government Must Be Proactive

For the B.C. government to truly be considered open, it must go beyond FOI and become proactive: post government contracts and MLA expenses as they are signed and incurred—and start with the infamous IBM contract. Read more »

SK: Send In Your Budget Wishes

Almost every day, special interest groups meet with provincial politicians and put in requests to receive your hard earned tax dollars. Read more »

BC: Carbon Tax Should Be Killed, Not Used For Transit

BC shouldn't add the 7.7-cent carbon tax to the 17 cents per litre of gas we already pay for transit--it should scrap the carbon tax altogether. Read more »

Three Cheers for the Chief

There are lots of unfortunate news stories lately about horrible things happening on aboriginal reserves, but there’s also a really good news story happening right now that deserves more attention. Read more »

BC: Net Zero Only Way To Hold the Line on Property Taxes

Municipal CUPE contracts expire at midnight on New Year's Eve, so expect politicians and unions to be digging deeper into your pockets for another round of raises. Read more »

Saskatchewan Doesn't Need More Politicians

During the recent provincial election do you remember Premier Brad Wall saying anything about a dreadful shortage of provincial politicians? Read more »