Canadians across the country should celebrate today, and not just because the Kings got knocked out of the playoffs. Today we should celebrate our freedom on Tax Freedom Day. What does that mean? According to calculations by the Fraser Institute, if you took every penny you’ve earned so far in 2013, as of today, you would have enough to cover your annual tax bill to the government.

Today is the day you stop working for the state, and start working for you. Congratulations!

We spend 160 of the 365 days each year earning money for the government. All those “free” things we get in Canada – health care, education, pensions, etc. – those are paid by your first 160 days of work. Not to mention other government expenses, like paying politicians, bureaucrats, union bosses, gold-plated pensions, expense accounts, slush funds, committees that never meet, gas plants that were never built, Cheifs that earn more than the Prime Minister, $16 glasses of orange juice, and all those other things that keep us at the CTF busy.

So, thank you taxpayers. You are far too generous.

The average Canadian family will pay $42,400 in various taxes year, including income tax, property tax, sales tax, profit tax, fuel taxes, import duties, license fees, tobacco taxes, alcohol taxes, natural resource and eco fees, and payroll taxes such as social security, pension, and health taxes. The list could go on.

Hence, today we are given reason to celebrate our freedom from the taxes that are involuntarily taken from us in Canada. June 10th – 2 days later than last year – marks Tax Freedom Day, 2013.

Cheers, taxpayers.