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 »

FED: Make Tough Deficit Decisions Now

Make tough deficit decisions now It seems like only yesterday Canada was running surpluses and was led by a fiscally conservative government. Now both seem distant memories, as recently confirmed by the latest news that the Harper government will run deficits even larger than planned and for even longer than planned. Over at least seven years Mr. Harper plans to add no less than $170.3 billion more to the federal debt. It is time for Canada talk about the costs of this spending problem. Read more »

Snowed By The City Again

Winnipeg snows taxpayers The City of Winnipeg pays its lifeguards about $17-22 per hour. Meanwhile, the YMCA pays its lifeguards about $9-10 per hour. Not surprisingly, instead of bringing city salaries in line with those who pay taxes, some officials at city hall are more interested in increasing taxes. The latest call - hiking our province’s sales tax from 7 to 8% in order to “help finance” the city’s “needs”. Consider some other areas where the city could improve. Read more »

BC: They're all health taxes now - or soon will be

When a company tries to sell a product no one wants, a common tactic is to lure the customer in with an appealing pitch, then deliver a lemon deal. This is called a bait and switch. The B.C. government, in its 2010 budget, put a new spin on this tactic - more like a switch and bait. Read more »

SK: Dome Democracy Please

>>VIEW OUR STADIUM SENSE CAMPAIGN One week the Wall government is calling for cuts to health care and education spending in order to balance the budget, and the next it is pondering a new dome for the Roughriders. Confused? Apparently so are they. For guidance on how to proceed with the dome issue, the government should turn to taxpayers by holding a referendum. Read more »

AB: Breathing life into our Moribund Democracy

Our democratic institutions have lost their lustre. Dreadfully low voter turnout, a disengaged public and an unhealthy apathy are now considered the norm. Albertans need to take back our democracy from our politicians and demand access to the legislatively protected, democratic tools necessary to stay engaged, informed and effective. Moreover, we need to feel relevant as participants, rather than mere spectators. Read more »

FED: Budget Cliff Driving: Hit the Brakes!

If your car goes off the road and is speeding towards a cliff, simply taking your foot off the accelerator isn’t good enough. You need to put on the brakes, stop and carefully make your way back to safety. Deficit spending by governments in Canada is no different. VIEW OUR BALANCED BUDGET CAMPAIGN>>   Read more »

BC: Debt Threats

The first Olympic games were held in Greece - now they are in British Columbia. Out-of-control government spending, fuelled by debt, has sent Greece to the brink of bankruptcy. The government of British Columbia has also been on a debt-fuelled spending spree.SIGN THE PETITION >> VIEW END BC DEFICITS VIDEO>>   Read more »

Out with politicians, in with citizens

It’s been over two weeks since the auditor general’s report on MLA expenses, and change is coming at a snail’s pace. Sure, there have been the obligatory vows from various politicians (past and present, government and opposition) to clean up the mess, but can taxpayers really trust those who embraced the current system to design the next one? Read more »

MB: We're With You Minister Wowchuk

By calling for a two-year public sector wage freeze, NDP Finance Minister Rosann Wowchuk has embarked on a politically challenging, but taxpayer-friendly mission. On this initiative taxpayers need to stand behind her. Read more »