CTF Responds to Fraser Institute Calculation of Tax Freedom Day

WINNIPEG: The Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) today responded with mixed emotions to news that Tax Freedom Day for Canada occurs tomorrow, June 29th and for Manitoba on July 2nd.
According to calculations made by the Fraser Institute, the good news is that Tax Freedom Day for Manitoba came one day earlier than last year. The bad news is that Manitoba posted the second worst Tax Freedom Day, meaning Manitobans will pay taxes later into the year than other province except for Quebec.

"The NDP's tireless efforts to ratchet up provincial spending can be credited for Manitoba's poor Tax Freedom Day standing," said Victor Vrsnik, CTF provincial director. "While our main provincial competitors labor at cutting taxes and improving the economic conditions for taxpayers, the Manitoba NDP has virtually thrown in the towel."

Each year, the Fraser Institute calculates Tax Freedom Day as the day of the year when Canadians finally start working for themselves. Prior to this date, all money earned by Canadians is required to pay the taxes, fees and levies imposed by all three orders of government - federal, provincial, and municipal.

Vrsnik also credited Manitoba school boards and municipalities for Manitoba's poor ranking. According to Fraser calculations, an average Manitoba family paid the second highest municipal taxes in Canada.

"Winnipeg City Council and School Boards should be singled out for high tax honours," said Vrsnik. "A comprehensive study released today by the Frontier Centre think tank ranks Winnipeg numero uno for the highest property taxes in the land."

At the federal level, Fraser notes that Canadians are still working for government until 12:56 pm of each working day before they start working for themselves. In this context, there is definitely no free lunch.