NationStates Jolt Archive

...are you impressed? Or still pissed that we're paying it in the first place?

What was it before? I know in Ontario GST and PST combined were 15%, and I'm taking a vacation to northern Ontario in a couple of weeks.

That fucking tax has been a "temporary" measure for decades now! Off with it completely, dammit!

Chretien got elected on his *first* term while promising to remove it, for fuck's sake!

What was it before? I know in Ontario GST and PST combined were 15%, and I'm taking a vacation to northern Ontario in a couple of weeks.
7%

That fucking tax has been a "temporary" measure for decades now! Off with it completely, dammit!

Chretien got elected on his *first* term while promising to remove it, for fuck's sake!
Yeah, go figure he lied. And now Harper think he's superman because he knocked off 1%.

Yeah, go figure he lied. And now Harper think he's superman because he knocked off 1%.
Indeed. All taxes on consumer products should be removed, and replaced with fairer income tax.

Did you know his 1% decrease doesn't even affect all the products for which this tax apply? This really is a joke. He's trying to gain political leverage by this move, but doesn't want to actually give the money back to the consumers. This reeks of hypocrisy.

Indeed. All taxes on consumer products should be removed, and replaced with fairer income tax.

Did you know his 1% decrease doesn't even affect all the products for which this tax apply? This really is a joke. He's trying to gain political leverage by this move, but doesn't want to actually give the money back to the consumers. This reeks of hypocrisy.
That's the conservative party for ya.

Scratch that... That's politicians for ya.

Anyways, lowered revenue. Increased spending. I foresee a deficit in the future.

That's the conservative party for ya.

Scratch that... That's politicians for ya.

Indeed. When(if ever?) are we gonna get decent leadership for our country? It's becoming more and more evident neither the Liberals nor the Conservatives are the answer to our prayers.


Anyways, lowered revenue. Increased spending. I foresee a deficit in the future.
Well, that's unlikely. Remember Ottawa had about 10 billions surpluses consistenly in the last years. They'd really have to *completely* irresponsible to manage to get a deficit with all that margin.

You’ll be paying a lot more in the end with this tax cut. Sure the GST goes down by 1% but your income tax goes up. And how many business are going to adjust their prices eat up the difference in the tax going down. Tuning it down 1% is also a pain in the ass for all the companies and the retail sector who have to adjust all of their cash registers and accounting too.

And you know what it also means... taxes somewhere else will go up to cover the reduced revenue from that 1% drop. Income tax? Property tax? Gas tax? This 1% drop is just to cover up a hike elsewhere. It's a distraction.

GST? Is that like a VAT?

Indeed. When(if ever?) are we gonna get decent leadership for our country? It's becoming more and more evident neither the Liberals nor the Conservatives are the answer to our prayers.
Have you considered voting for the Bloc :D


Well, that's unlikely. Remember Ottawa had about 10 billions surpluses consistenly in the last years. They'd really have to *completely* irresponsible to manage to get a deficit with all that margin.
They want to lower the GST again next year, a lot of spending on the military front. The only thing going for them economically is that they won't spend money on the Kyoto accords. (which is a bad thing in itself, but not economically).

The deficit might not be as far as you think.

GST? Is that like a VAT?
Goods and Services Tax. Basically, almost everything except a few items like food.

Value Added Tax? Perhaps...Goods and Services Tax...it's all a load of horseshit considering the many 'hidden' taxes we already pay on everything. And yes, were I a business owner, I'd be pissed at having to make this change. I don't think it amounts to anything at all. It's like costume jewlery...shiny, attention getting, but ultimately cheap and pointless.

Goods and Services Tax. Basically, almost everything except a few items like food.
That makes it sound as if food is exempt. It isn't. I'd be hard pressed to find a single item that didn't have the GST as applicable to it.

Have you considered voting for the Bloc :D

Thruth be told, I'm a Québécois, so I could. But I'm not really separatist, so I instead voted NDP in the last federal elections. Jack Layton was the only one worthy of being our prime minister, IMHO ;)


They want to lower the GST again next year, a lot of spending on the military front. The only thing going for them economically is that they won't spend money on the Kyoto accords. (which is a bad thing in itself, but not economically).

The deficit might not be as far as you think.
Let's pray that they do not flal in the G.W.-ish way of getting our country indebted to badly we'll never be able to repay it off.

I hate all those social conservatives who try to pretend they're *also* fiscal conservatives, yet accumulate deficits years after year. If word ever gets out the federal government spent a SINGLE dollar more than it got in income, I'll be actively doing all I can to make sure ANYONE replaces them for the next term. We simply cannot afford to take billions of dollars in debt again.

That makes it sound as if food is exempt. It isn't. I'd be hard pressed to find a single item that didn't have the GST as applicable to it.
Unprepared food is exempt. Prepared food isn't.

Example: you can buy bread, and slices of ham without paying GST. If you buy a sandwich, then you pay GST, because it's been prepared for you, and that counts as a service, hence falls into the GST jurisdiction.

Unprepared food is exempt. Prepared food isn't.

Example: you can buy bread, and slices of ham without paying GST. If you buy a sandwich, then you pay GST, because it's been prepared for you, and that counts as a service, hence falls into the GST jurisdiction.
No way....

I bought 4 L of milk today...surely that's unprepared? There was GST on it...

And yet it appears you are correct (http://www.gov.mb.ca/finance/taxation/bulletins/029.pdf#search='what%20kinds%20of%20food%20are%20GST%20exempt%3F')...I'll have to really eyeball my next grocery receipt!

Meh, I saved like 5 cents with the GST reduction...

It's really the only kind of tax I pay right now, I don't make enough money to pay income tax, I don't drive so I don't pay tax on my gas, I rent so I don't pay property tax. It's not a big deal in terms of how much I'll be saving (especially since my most purchased item - food - doesn't tend to have sales tax on it anyways) but I'm not complaining about it.

Value Added Tax? Perhaps...Goods and Services Tax...

Oh, that's a VAT.

I bought 4 L of milk today...surely that's unprepared? There was GST on it...
Maybe your grocery store is messed up, I usually don't have tax on my milk.

That makes it sound as if food is exempt. It isn't. I'd be hard pressed to find a single item that didn't have the GST as applicable to it.
Also, I think books are also exempted.

Also, I think books are also exempted.
No, books are exempt from PST.

I bought a book yesterday, I got charged 6% GST but no PST.

No way....

I bought 4 L of milk today...surely that's unprepared? There was GST on it...
Well, it's not supposed to be charged. YOu should watch out for it, and make sure you don't get charged on something that doesn't apply, because that would mean it goes straight into the pockets of the retailer.

Food is supposed to be exempt, except prepared meals, because those imply a service, and the tax applies to goods and services(obviously).

No, books are exempt from PST.

I bought a book yesterday, I got charged 6% GST but no PST.
oh, my mistake.

And 6%? Try more like 25% on everything apart from "culture," and then bitch...

What did you leftoids expect? It's 1%, not 10.

To put it in perspective:

A tall latte at Starbucks is now C$3.07 instead of C$3.10. 3 cents difference.
A grande latte is C$3.87 instead of C$3.91. 4 cents difference.

1% off of C$1 is 1 cent, not more! The only reason the GST cut was enacted is for larger purchases like cars, appliances, fuel etc. So, seriously, if you were expecting Moses to come down and part the seas over your pack of gum, you need a reality check. Same goes for those of you who knock the Conservatives for being the first government in a long while to actually be doing something in office other than enacting malicious kickback schemes and arrogantly proclaiming they deserve to be in power. You NDPers are ridiculous. :rolleyes:

And 6%? Try more like 25% on everything apart from "culture," and then bitch...
Where on earth has 25% sales tax?

Where on earth has 25% sales tax?

Denmark, Hungary, Sweden... I'm sure there are more, but those pop to my mind.

Where on earth has 25% sales tax?

Well, some places in Europe have close to 20% so I think we've got it quite well here.

And 6%? Try more like 25% on everything apart from "culture," and then bitch...
THIS tax is 6%. It doesn't exclude other taxes to be added. Like on gas, jewelry, provincial taxes, etc.

Some items have more than 25% tax on them.

No one likes tax. The Liberals absolutely broke their promise in taking off the GST. It was the Conservatives who made it, and now they're trying to take it off themselves.

Who is your tax enemy now? The Liberals who left it there? Or the party who made it and is now trying to take it off.

Oh, it's a tax! I thought you were all talking about Gay Standard Time, meaning 15 minutes late.

Here in Holland, that tax is 19%.

And 6%? Try more like 25% on everything apart from "culture," and then bitch...
Actually, most places in Canada have somewhere around 15%(now 14) sales taxes.

GST is the sales tax from the federal government. Most provincial governments also have sales taxes, except Alberta, but then again they're sitting on a pile of black gold, so their provincial government really doesn't need the sales tax to balance its books.

I think that sweden should lower their taxes.

Who is your tax enemy now? The Liberals who left it there? Or the party who made it and is now trying to take it off.
They're really not trying that hard. This is what we're bitching about.

The federal government *does* have the money to take it off. The conservatives just prefer to make it look like they,re trying to take it off, and spend big money elsewhere to make gifts for the next reelection. Which is pretty stupid, IMHO, because if they'd just be done with the GST entirely, they WOULD be reelected, no questions asked. Heck, if they were real fiscal conservatives, and not social neocons, they'd have my vote anyday.

No one likes tax. The Liberals absolutely broke their promise in taking off the GST. It was the Conservatives who made it, and now they're trying to take it off themselves.

Who is your tax enemy now? The Liberals who left it there? Or the party who made it and is now trying to take it off.
Both party: the one who put it there and the one who left it there.

I think that sweden should lower their taxes.

I think that's for Swedes to have opinions on.

I think that sweden should lower their taxes.

YOU REALLY THINK THAT SWEDEN SHOULD BANKRUPT THEIR OWN COUNTRY!?!?! :eek:

LMAO!

Denmark, Hungary, Sweden... I'm sure there are more, but those pop to my mind.
Really? That's crazy.

I think that's for Swedes to have opinions on.
I can have an opinion as well. Sweden is emberasing themselves. Their taxes are so high that they are chasing after EVERY CITIZEN for tax reasons.

Oh, wait, I just thought of how this could be bad. I get GST rebates from the government, they're not going to knock down the value on those, are they? I like my free money from the government.

YOU REALLY THINK THAT SWEDEN SHOULD BANKRUPT THEIR OWN COUNTRY!?!?! :eek:

LMAO!
they will not bankrupt their country. the taxes are just way too high.

and turn off capslock. we can hear u just fine.

Everything this government does is to demonstrate that it is moderate, and thus not scary. The Liberals won a series of elections by protraying their opposition to the right as a bunch of extremist wingnuts, so now the Conservatives' #1 job is to prove that the Liberals were a bunch of liars.

As such, they campaigned on a series of moderate promises, and now they're carefully enacting exactly those things they promised, and nothing more. They're hoping to appear moderate and trustworthy, which would serve them well in the next election.

That gay marriage thing is still messed up, but otherwise they're staying with that tactic. It appears to be working.

And, the upside of the GST cut is that the promise lead to Stephen Harper making Paul Martin look very silly during one of the debates. Martin kept insisting that his income tax cuts would provide more benefit to the "lowest income Canadians" than Harper's GST cut, to which Harper replied, "The lowest income Canadians DON'T PAY INCOME TAX!" It made Martin look incredibly dumb.

"Taxes are the price we pay for civilization."

Oh, wait, I just thought of how this could be bad. I get GST rebates from the government, they're not going to knock down the value on those, are they? I like my free money from the government.
Technically, it's not really free. You do know they just hand back a portion of what you've paid through the year... do you?

I can have an opinion as well. Sweden is emberasing themselves. Their taxes are so high that they are chasing after EVERY CITIZEN for tax reasons.

I don't see why Sweden should be embarrassed when the country is doing so well.

Really? That's crazy.

Well, to be fair, in Sweden 25% is just the base VAT, it's 12% for groceries, hotels, camping, ski lifts, art that the artist sells himself, and 6% for books, newpapers, magazines, taxis, busses, flights, trains, theatre, movies, concerts, circuses, zoos, sports...

But most things are 25%.

"Taxes are the price we pay for civilization."

And excessive taxes are the price we pay for a nanny state.

I can have an opinion as well.

Of course, I'll just not value it as much. Or, at all.

Sweden is emberasing themselves.

I don't feel the least bit embarrassed, so I've no idea what you are talking about.

Their taxes are so high that they are chasing after EVERY CITIZEN for tax reasons.

Yes, I could feel the mean old folks at Skatteverket breathing down my neck as they gave me back money on my return this and last year...

Technically, it's not really free. You do know they just hand back a portion of what you've paid through the year... do you?
I know I don't spend that much in sales tax in a year though. Most of my money goes to rent, food and tuition, none of which have GST. So for me it is free money.

they will not bankrupt their country. the taxes are just way too high.

Hmmm... ok. If I lower the tax, there will be no free K-12 education, no affordable post-secondary education, public healthcare will be replaced by a dysfunctional US style heath services, all roads will be tolled........

"and turn off capslock. we can hear u just fine."

in fact, i'm too lazy to turn it off.

Generally speaking, this GST cut is about politics more than fiscal common sense. No one likes the GST. But a 1% reduction only makes a sizeable difference to people when they are purchasing a home or luxury car. Even in my industry, where I may hand a bill to a customer for $1500 at the end of the day, it will only make a difference of *gasp* $15.00.

And even with the sale of a new home, that 1% will be miniscule and hidden in the financial wizardry; the customer will see their monthy payment, and might not really notice a significant difference.


Now, that being said;

Going into the election, the Conservatives had to sell a competing image to the alternative Liberals (sorry folks, the NDP just aren't realistic), and a GST cut was politically appealing because a) it affects everyone across the board, b) it's savings you can see firsthand and most importantly c) The Liberals had campaigned to get rid of the thing entirely, and the conservatives come out looking fiscally responsible by slightly eliminating it, and most importantly, looking like they are a party that keeps its word.

Re-election is their primary goal, and keeping it simple, and sticking to their election promises will likely get them elected again.

As nice as reduced taxes are, I would much rather see the government use surplus funds to eliminate the public debt. Long term, it's better than the penny I save on the dollar.

I know I don't spend that much in sales tax in a year though. Most of my money goes to rent, food and tuition, none of which have GST. So for me it is free money.
So you mean you get free money from *my* paid GST?

*pretends to be mad*:mad:

Oh, it's a tax! I thought you were all talking about Gay Standard Time, meaning 15 minutes late.

Here in Holland, that tax is 19%.
JESUS!

Actually, most places in Canada have somewhere around 15%(now 14) sales taxes.
SWEET GOD!

You know what the Sales Tax is in Oregon? 0%. None. And I thought it was bad living in California with 7.25% when I moved to Oregon.

So you mean you get free money from *my* paid GST?

*pretends to be mad*:mad:
Hey, I'm pretty sure that me getting a bonus $60 every couple months is a much bigger thing for me than it is for you. I can't work most of the year due to school so I need all the money I can get.

The two taxes I dislike the most: Council tax and VAT. Replace both with a Negative Income Tax and Land Value Tax.

Uh, why haven't I heard about this drastic change considering it will forever impact my wallet?

Uh, why haven't I heard about this drastic change considering it will forever impact my wallet?

It's only 1%. It won't.

Uh, why haven't I heard about this drastic change considering it will forever impact my wallet?
You haven't been keeping with the news?

You were on Mars?

You were busy arguing meaningless debate with people from ove the word in a political forum?

It's only 1%. It won't.

Uh, do you have any idea what one extra penny off every purchase will do for me financiallly?

Uh, do you have any idea what one extra penny off every purchase will do for me financiallly?
a lot of pocket change :p

...are you impressed? Or still pissed that we're paying it in the first place?
Didn't Chrétien promise to get rid of the GST, too?

Less stealing from our pockets is less stealing from our pockets.

Same goes for those of you who knock the Conservatives for being the first government in a long while to actually be doing something in office other than enacting malicious kickback schemes and arrogantly proclaiming they deserve to be in power. You NDPers are ridiculous. :rolleyes:
Reality check:

Conservatives or Liberals...we're all paying for kickback schemes and arrogance. YOU are ridiculous if you really believe otherwise.

No way....

I bought 4 L of milk today...surely that's unprepared? There was GST on it...

And yet it appears you are correct (http://www.gov.mb.ca/finance/taxation/bulletins/029.pdf#search='what%20kinds%20of%20food%20are%20GST%20exempt%3F')...I'll have to really eyeball my next grocery receipt!
I think the rules on 'prepared foods' must have changed since the GST came out. I know I pay GST on an apple from our cafeteria.

Reality check:

Conservatives or Liberals...we're all paying for kickback schemes and arrogance. YOU are ridiculous if you really believe otherwise.
Yeah. And if you want to see an example of conservatives fucking shit up, look at Ontario.

What idiot sells a toll highway to a private company without even covering the cost to build the toll highway in the first place?

I think the rules on 'prepared foods' must have changed since the GST came out. I know I pay GST on an apple from our cafeteria.
It could be that your cafeteria just charges GST on everything. Some cash registers don't have separate buttons for that sort of thing, it all just gets tax added to it.

It could be that your cafeteria just charges GST on everything. Some cash registers don't have separate buttons for that sort of thing, it all just gets tax added to it.
Well, then, that's illegal, no?

Ah, I see... page 6, cafeteria and catering services can charge GST, as can items sold from vending machines.

JESUS!

SWEET GOD!

You know what the Sales Tax is in Oregon? 0%. None. And I thought it was bad living in California with 7.25% when I moved to Oregon.
Most taxes are 'hidden' anyway. Like the taxes on alcohol, cigarettes, gas, plastic, glass, metal etc etc etc.

Uh, why haven't I heard about this drastic change considering it will forever impact my wallet?
It just came into effect on July 1st.

Didn't Chrétien promise to get rid of the GST, too?

Less stealing from our pockets is less stealing from our pockets.
No, it really isn't. They just rob you somewhere else. Like income taxes.

No, it really isn't. They just rob you somewhere else. Like income taxes.
Unless you can actually point to such an increase, though, it effectively doesn't exist.

Well, then, that's illegal, no?
Maybe. I'm not too sure about that. They're probably just pocketing the extra cash though. Maybe they claim that they wash the apples before putting them out so they're a prepared food or something.

The union market (a little shop that sells drinks, snacks, fair trade coffe et c)at my school doesn't put tax on an apple.

I think the rules on 'prepared foods' must have changed since the GST came out. I know I pay GST on an apple from our cafeteria.
If you read that source I found, there are exceptions in places where most of the goods are 'prepared'...that includes cafeterias and restaurants, because there is still service implied. A grocery store shouldn't charge GST on some items (things not considered single serving items), but a cafeteria can.

Edit: I see you found that.

Crazy...like I said, I really need to take a look at this, because I'm sure I pay GST on most grocery purchases....

Unless you can actually point to such an increase, though, it effectively doesn't exist.
They are increasing spending on the military.

It's give and take, and it always has been...cut here, increase there...in the end, things pretty much even out to be what they always have been.

No, it really isn't. They just rob you somewhere else. Like income taxes.

Well it's quite possible to lower the overall tax burden; we pay a lot more in taxes than we once did. However, any claims by the conservatives that they are making drastic changes are just plain wrong... they're just another tax and spend government.

Well it's quite possible to lower the overall tax burden; we pay a lot more in taxes than we once did. However, any claims by the conservatives that they are making drastic changes are just plain wrong... they're just another tax and spend government.
Which is exactly my point. I don't think it would really matter who got in...even if somehow the NDP finally took over the federal government...by that point they would be just as corrupt, just as tax happy, just as spend happy as any other government we've had.

Which is exactly my point. I don't think it would really matter who got in...even if somehow the NDP finally took over the federal government...by that point they would be just as corrupt, just as tax happy, just as spend happy as any other government we've had.
Wow. Someone's had their daily dose of cynicism.

Wow. Someone's had their daily dose of cynicism.

Point is, all those wonderful services cost money, and it's far easier to spend then to cut. If the NDP won federally, imagine your tax burden raising dramatically. It might not be your personal tax burden, but higher taxes on business have their way of being felt by the consumer in the long run. The alternative, cut taxes, and thus cut spending, is very unpopular, even if it may prove necessary at times.

So, if you want to get elected, you spend. Spend, Spend, Spend The voters' money, because reducing taxes and making the necessary spending cuts to balance the budget will be even less popular.

No cynicism - just good old fashioned politics.

Wow. Someone's had their daily dose of cynicism.
I love for you to prove me wrong.

The money has to come from somewhere...and there will never be a shortage of issues competing for funds. To stay in power, you have to appease at least some people...without bankrupting yourself completely.

I love for you to prove me wrong.

The money has to come from somewhere...and there will never be a shortage of issues competing for funds. To stay in power, you have to appease at least some people...without bankrupting yourself completely.
Well, but to say that they're all being horribly corrupt by trying to give people what they want, it's a little overly cynical is all.

1% off isn't really much...

...are you impressed? Or still pissed that we're paying it in the first place?

How about neither? Personally, I'm terribly upset that Stephen Harper called for tax cut, which came at the price of slashing funding to the enviroment and foreign aid.

That makes it sound as if food is exempt. It isn't. I'd be hard pressed to find a single item that didn't have the GST as applicable to it.
Milk.

Indeed. When(if ever?) are we gonna get decent leadership for our country? It's becoming more and more evident neither the Liberals nor the Conservatives are the answer to our prayers.


Well, that's unlikely. Remember Ottawa had about 10 billions surpluses consistenly in the last years. They'd really have to *completely* irresponsible to manage to get a deficit with all that margin.
Welcome to politics. We, in the United States, have had a hundred years of experience on you, but it seems like yours are catching on nicely.

Well it's quite possible to lower the overall tax burden; we pay a lot more in taxes than we once did. However, any claims by the conservatives that they are making drastic changes are just plain wrong... they're just another tax and spend government.

They did reduce our overall tax burden by a little bit. Not much, but a little bit.

I love for you to prove me wrong.

The money has to come from somewhere...and there will never be a shortage of issues competing for funds. To stay in power, you have to appease at least some people...without bankrupting yourself completely.

There is a colossal amount of waste in the government. Regardless of your opinion of it, there's no reason the long gun registry should have cost $2 billion. The Indian Act spends $30,000/native/year, and what benefit does anyone get out of it? There are plenty of places the government could spend less without reducing services.

Like those GST rebate cheques. Why are they sent out 4 times a year? Why not just once?

I found it quite informative watching the Alberta government balance its budget back in 93-94, even though the price of oil was really low. They found all sorts of places to save money. For example, they started issuing only one license plate per car instead of two.

There is just an insane amount of waste in government...you can see it in building contracts, in filing contracts...in almost every aspect. It's ridiculous. Government offices for example, receive a certain office budget per annum. If they do not spend their budget in a year, it is not carried over...and in fact, their budget will be reduced the next year. So what do you see? Fairly new desks, chairs and other supplies being tossed out in order to buy new stuff to use up and keep that budget.

But I do not for a moment believe that this waste is simply oversight or stupidity. People in power are greasing the palms of friends and relatives any way they can...giving so and so the contract here, and so and so the contract there...it's based on little corruptions (I believe) rather than large corruptions.

...even if somehow the NDP finally took over the federal government...

God friggin' forbid if that ever happened... I'd be moving to Nazi Germany before I allowed the NDP into office. Yes, you heard it from me first - I'd rather have the Liberals back before I even dared give the NDP a shot. Even the Bloc would be better than them... but perhaps this is a case of you don't know what you've got til it's gone. And if the NDP ever managed to get lucky enough to get into power in the first place, I'm sure that would be felt nationwide.

There is just an insane amount of waste in government...you can see it in building contracts, in filing contracts...in almost every aspect. It's ridiculous. Government offices for example, receive a certain office budget per annum. If they do not spend their budget in a year, it is not carried over...and in fact, their budget will be reduced the next year. So what do you see? Fairly new desks, chairs and other supplies being tossed out in order to buy new stuff to use up and keep that budget.

But I do not for a moment believe that this waste is simply oversight or stupidity. People in power are greasing the palms of friends and relatives any way they can...giving so and so the contract here, and so and so the contract there...it's based on little corruptions (I believe) rather than large corruptions.

it's not just the people in power. The bureaucrats persist from government to government, and the purpose of bureaucracy is to grow. And that's true for exactly the reasons you mention - they get penalised for efficiency, so they actively try each year to increase their staff and budgets.

Preston Manning used to joke that the first thing he'd do if he became Prime Minister is fire 30,000 civil servants.

God friggin' forbid if that ever happened... I'd be moving to Nazi Germany before I allowed the NDP into office. Yes, you heard it from me first - I'd rather have the Liberals back before I even dared give the NDP a shot. Even the Bloc would be better than them... but perhaps this is a case of you don't know what you've got til it's gone. And if the NDP ever managed to get lucky enough to get into power in the first place, I'm sure that would be felt nationwide.

I also don't think it would be very long before Alberta elected their second separatist representative, either. There are a lot of soft separatists in Alberta who don't see why they should have to share a government with a country that mostly doesn't agree with them. An NDP government would just increase that divide further.

The Harper tax policy is misleading, because of income tax being raised at the same time as the GST going down. Add to that the pimply faced kids living with mom and dad to increase consumer spending. Where it really becomes big is in buying real estate and other pricey items. If you’re buying a house that 1% might mean the difference between affording a house and not affording a house, depending on your ability to put yourself in hock with the bank.

The problem is that a lot of companies, like movie theatres, are already eating up the change of price and pocketing the difference. Bastards. It’s not like the movies they are showing are any better this year. I expect a few of the provincial governments to do the same to balance out the retail tax rate in their favour, by raising provincial sales tax. Except in Alberta as long as the oil flows.

With food you pay GST if it’s prepared for you, like a Deli sandwich or restaurant meal. You also pay GST if it’s a low quantity. If you buy stuff in a grocery store that is easily eaten right away and considered a single serving, then you pay GST. If I bought a small container of chocolate milk I pay GST on it, but if I buy one liter then I don’t pay GST. If I buy one doughnut I pay GST. If I pig out and buy 6 then I don’t pay GST. Rules like this it’s no wonder we’re getting as obese as Americans up here in Canada! The government is forcing Canadians to overeat to avoid taxation! A lot of businesses use the line of, if you buy 6 then you don’t pay the GST. Really though if I wanted to buy a half dozen rolls and be a fat bastard I would have, thanks anyways.

You know, plenty of my fellow Albertans bitch about transfer payments...and some even think we should separate...what the heck are they thinking??? Fort Mac is already the capital of Newfoundland...cut the transfer payments and we might as well shove over and watch the entire population of the poorer provinces move in...silly rabbits...transfer payments keep out the dirty Canadian immigrants:D

They did reduce our overall tax burden by a little bit. Not much, but a little bit.

Which is nice, but ultimately just repackaging the same policy. The conservatives aren't brave enough to make major changes... yet. Whether or not one might agree to major tax/spending changes, they are only going to make small politically appealing gestures that will give them their majority government. (And it will happen.)

You know, plenty of my fellow Albertans bitch about transfer payments...and some even think we should separate...what the heck are they thinking??? Fort Mac is already the capital of Newfoundland...cut the transfer payments and we might as well shove over and watch the entire population of the poorer provinces move in...silly rabbits...transfer payments keep out the dirty Canadian immigrants:D

The 'Move West' phenomenon is bigger than ever. I skimmed through the classifieds the other day and there was an add for a company that would just 'find something for you'. Transfer payments or not, Canada's coming by for the party.

Damn newfies will find a way in to your Albertan Stronghold anyway. They're like gremlins; beer-swilling, linguistically challenged, horny as hell gremlins. Don't feed them after midnight.

The Harper tax policy is misleading, because of income tax being raised at the same time as the GST going down. Add to that the pimply faced kids living with mom and dad to increase consumer spending. Where it really becomes big is in buying real estate and other pricey items. If you’re buying a house that 1% might mean the difference between affording a house and not affording a house, depending on your ability to put yourself in hock with the bank.

The problem is that a lot of companies, like movie theatres, are already eating up the change of price and pocketing the difference. Bastards. It’s not like the movies they are showing are any better this year. I expect a few of the provincial governments to do the same to balance out the retail tax rate in their favour, by raising provincial sales tax. Except in Alberta as long as the oil flows.

With food you pay GST if it’s prepared for you, like a Deli sandwich or restaurant meal. You also pay GST if it’s a low quantity. If you buy stuff in a grocery store that is easily eaten right away and considered a single serving, then you pay GST. If I bought a small container of chocolate milk I pay GST on it, but if I buy one liter then I don’t pay GST. If I buy one doughnut I pay GST. If I pig out and buy 6 then I don’t pay GST. Rules like this it’s no wonder we’re getting as obese as Americans up here in Canada! The government is forcing Canadians to overeat to avoid taxation! A lot of businesses use the line of, if you buy 6 then you don’t pay the GST. Really though if I wanted to buy a half dozen rolls and be a fat bastard I would have, thanks anyways.

Actually, a friend of mine in the building industry made a good point; contractors spend a hell of a lot of money. It's not uncommon for tens of thousands of dollars in lumber and materials to be purchased where he works every day. A strong housing/building industry is supposed to be a sign of a robust and healthy economy...

cut the transfer payments and we might as well shove over and watch the entire population of the poorer provinces move in...silly rabbits...transfer payments keep out the dirty Canadian immigrants:D

All those Newfies immigrating to Hellburta is the best thing that could happen to that province. :D Besides, if Alberta were such a great place to live Pronger would have stayed there. I'm personally getting tired of Calgarians moving to Lotus Land and buying up land. They've become the new Torontonians of Canada.

All those Newfies immigrating to Hellburta is the best thing that could happen to that province. :D Besides, if Alberta were such a great place to live Pronger would have stayed there. I'm personally getting tired of Calgarians moving to Lotus Land and buying up land. They've become the new Torontonians of Canada.

The New Toron... What?! Is somebody aiming to take our 'Centre of Canada' (Thus the universe) title?

It's a good thing we have that missile hiding in the CN Tower....

All those Newfies immigrating to Hellburta is the best thing that could happen to that province. :D Besides, if Alberta were such a great place to live Pronger would have stayed there. I'm personally getting tired of Calgarians moving to Lotus Land and buying up land. They've become the new Torontonians of Canada.
Yeah, poor BC is going to pot (haha) with all the rednecks moving there...Albertans with their dirty oil money! I actually have come to respect Newfies, even if they can't speak English:) Pronger...whatever...they all leave for greener pastures the fools!

Has anyone mentioned yet how the OCDE's latest economic report on Canada severely critiqued Harper's economic policy?

If not would you guys like me to present the article to further discussion?

until you have to pay 17.5% VAT on everything, shut up, a thank you :-)

until you have to pay 17.5% VAT on everything, shut up, a thank you :-)
No te quiero, puta.

No te quiero, puta.

*gasps*

*gasps*
He/she asked for it with that kind of name. Y tú me conoces…no puedo resistir…

He/she asked for it with that kind of name. Y tú me conoces…no puedo resistir…

I know, I know, mais tu me connais, il me faut m'en moquer aussi, bien que tu l'aies déjà fait.

I know, I know, mais tu me connais, il me faut m'en moquer aussi, bien que tu l'aies déjà fait.
C'est vrai.

C'est vrai.

Naturally, écrit par moi as it was.

Wait. Canadians are pissed about a tax?

Wait. Canadians are pissed about a tax?

What the hell are you talking about?

For example... For social security alone Canadians pay nearly half the tax in percentage as Americans do. Personal income tax is also lower in Canada.

Milk.
Sin has said a few times in the thread that she was charged GST on her milk.

The 'Move West' phenomenon is bigger than ever. I skimmed through the classifieds the other day and there was an add for a company that would just 'find something for you'. Transfer payments or not, Canada's coming by for the party.
I see plenty of people standing at highway intersections with signs like:

"Just got here from Nova Soctia
I have run out of money and cannot
afford to buy groceries.
Please let me eat."

What the hell are you talking about?

For example... For social security alone Canadians pay nearly half the tax in percentage as Americans do. Personal income tax is also lower in Canada.
What?
Oh, right. You don't have a military to speak of. Not that that's a bad thing. In fact, I'm envious. Hey, if the US spent as much on defense per capita as you Canuks, we could probably end poverty with the surplus.

Sin has said a few times in the thread that she was charged GST on her milk.
Well, maybe she's getting ripped off, 'cause I just bought milk and I got charged the actual price. Or maybe the guy at the till liked me. I dunno, one or th'other.

Well, maybe she's getting ripped off, 'cause I just bought milk and I got charged the actual price. Or maybe the guy at the till liked me. I dunno, one or th'other.
No, she's definitely getting ripped off. I don't think I get charged tax on any of my groceries.

Well, maybe she's getting ripped off, 'cause I just bought milk and I got charged the actual price. Or maybe the guy at the till liked me. I dunno, one or th'other.
Well, when I work next (Thursday), I am going to see how it works at the supermarket I work at. I thought we charge the 13% GST+PST on everything, but I'll check it out.

That fucking tax has been a "temporary" measure for decades now! Off with it completely, dammit!

Chretien got elected on his *first* term while promising to remove it, for fuck's sake!Heh, Income tax was supposed to be a temporary measure.

You want services? You pay taxes. End of argument. That the Canadians actually bought the whole "temporary" line is the only funny thing about it.

You want services? You pay taxes. End of argument. That the Canadians actually bought the whole "temporary" line is the only funny thing about it.
We know you gotta pay taxes. I suppose though, most people would prefer to be taxed a different way.

Welcome to politics. We, in the United States, have had a hundred years of experience on you, but it seems like yours are catching on nicely.
what are you on about?

US constitution: 1787
First constitution of Canada (Royal Proclamation): 1763

we've been plagued by politicians for as long as you.

100 years of supposedly more experience and yet they still have elections decided by appointed judges.

Folks... lets not take this too seriously. :D

The 'Move West' phenomenon is bigger than ever.

Not just west. Last year BC had a net loss of people through interprovincial migration. The Edmonton City Police have a recruiting office in Victoria.

Not just west. Last year BC had a net loss of people through interprovincial migration. The Edmonton City Police have a recruiting office in Victoria.

Yeah, there's my 'Toronto is the centre of the universe' viewpoint kicking in again ;) . In all seriousness, I'm surprised immigration in general would have left BC with an overall positive population growth. The Hong Kong exodus is finally over? Or did they all move to Markham, Ont.?

Indeed. All taxes on consumer products should be removed, and replaced with fairer income tax.

Did you know his 1% decrease doesn't even affect all the products for which this tax apply? This really is a joke. He's trying to gain political leverage by this move, but doesn't want to actually give the money back to the consumers. This reeks of hypocrisy.

Funny. We've got American's arguing the exact opposite.

Yeah, there's my 'Toronto is the centre of the universe' viewpoint kicking in again ;) . In all seriousness, I'm surprised immigration in general would have left BC with an overall positive population growth. The Hong Kong exodus is finally over? Or did they all move to Markham, Ont.?

I was just counting interprovincial migration. more people moved from BC to the Rest of Canada than moved from RoC to BC. There was still population growth from international immigrants.

And I only mentioned it because it's new. BC constantly attracts people because it's pretty. That the pull of Alberta's jobs and low taxes was enough to overcome that is impressive.

And now Alberta's talking about raising the personal income tax exemption from $10,000 to $50,000. As if the flat 10% tax wasn't already incredibly cool.

Funny. We've got American's arguing the exact opposite.

And they're right. Consumption taxes are far more economically efficient.

The Washington State Sales Tax is 6.5%. Localities such as counties and cities then add to that. The highest rate winds up being in teh most populated areas and is currently 8.9% total. That's close to a dime on the dollar. The only offsetting thing is that there's no state income tax in Washington.

As I recall, last I was in BC, the PST and GST combined to add 7% + 7% on whatever I bought. The GST was refundable provided each individual purchase receipt was over $50. I thought that was kinda cheeky (not being able to total the whole of all the receipts to get over $50), but I like BC, so I'll gladly either pay it or make sure I spend more than $50 in each store. In a restaurant, that's a breeze, but elsewhere, not so much.

Thanks to Canada for such a terrific place to visit.