Dear Editor
I'm tired of today's tax-loathing political discourse. Why can't we just have a rational, adult conversation about taxes anymore?
After all, there is (or at least was) a consensus in this country that there is some value in providing for the common good. Without that consensus, and the taxes that support it we wouldn't have universal health care, quality public education, a good public pension system, clean drinking water, national and provincial parks or emergency services provided by police, firefighters and paramedics.
Taxes are an integral part of providing a good quality of life for all families and ensuring Canada is a prosperous and compassionate country. It would be helpful if more Canadians and especially our politicians realized this.
My complaint is with the unfairness of the current tax system. Taxes are too high for many working families. But that's because other groups aren't paying their fair share. Tax cuts have mostly benefited the wealthiest Canadians and made our personal income tax system less progressive. The issue isn't about "punishing the wealthy" as some reactionary groups want us to believe. It's just that people who are doing extremely well should pay more than people who aren't. Not just more in absolute terms, but a larger percentage of their income, too.
It's also unfair that the federal and many provincial governments are handing out massive tax cuts to profitable corporations, in the billions of dollars, at the same time the rest of us pay more and are told to tighten our belts. It's not like the banks, insurance and drug companies are looking around for some spare change. They pay their executives in the tens of millions of dollars each year.
I'm willing to pay my fair share for the services that make our families and communities healthy and safe. I just want the richest Canadians and corporations to do the same.
N. Nykifourk
North Battleford and District Labour Council
