Happy Canada Day NB Tax Day?
For those of you who are completely unaware, the regressive tax hikes implemented by Shawn Graham's Liberal government take effect today, July 1st. But before you get overly excited people (tongue-in-cheek), just remember, the tax hikes were retroactive as of January 1st, 2007. Which means NBers will be digging twice as deep into their wallets over the next six months to pay for this riddiculous tax increase. Not what I call a great way to celebrate being a Canadian or a New Brunswicker for that matter.
4 Comments:
...and property tax increases of 8-10% for many...and an 8% promised energy rebate cancelled and a 10% increase in power rates.
Okay, the power increase isn't really the fault of government but cancelling the rebate is, raising income taxes is and doing nothing to at least examine the sharp increases in property taxes is. We all know there's waste in government. How about eliminating that before begging for more money from taxpayers?
Very true, spinks. However, the government did have the option of privatizing NB Power over the years. An option they chose not to pursue.
6 billion+ in debt. You think anyone wants it?
Good point, spinks. Maybe they could split it up and outsource most of it. And why not? NB Power's statist monopoly thus far has hampered its globalization and economic efficiency.
Instead of being run as a business, NB power has become a government boondoggle. Electricity and power rates were manipulated according to the political imperatives of the hour, whether to reward favoured industries (like they're doing with manufacturing industries right now), or to bribe voters by making electricity artificially cheap.
Nonetheless, deregulation or privatization (like the privatization of NSPI in Nova Scotia) will go a long way in keeping rates low, not to mention, it will enhance efficiency and eliminate taxpayer liabilities. Because we all know that the status quo is just not working there at the moment.
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