Personal income taxes way too high
In his report, New Brunswick Auditor General Michael Ferguson confirmed what I've been saying in this corner for quite sometime, in that, not only are personal income taxes way too high in this province, last spring's rate hike [to inrease the provincial coffers by $50 million] was totally unnecessary. And as CTF national director John Williamson says, "that was unfortunate and really set the province apart from its peers across the country, which are moving to become lower-taxed." You can say that again.
Update (Federal)
On the federal front, Finance Minister Jim Flaherty sees very little wiggle room for large tax cuts in this yrs federal budget. But worry not folks, the same negative musings were bandied about last month by the Russian Finance Ministry only to be sullied, in the end, by President Vladimir Putin. Let's hope PMSH does the same thing in the weeks to come.
Update II
NB Auditor General: "One thing that the government can do to improve the integrity and transparency of its reporting of the Province's financial situation is to release the audited financial statements earlier."
I completely agree. Furthermore, the province should move to adopt the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) which would move the Finance Ministry away from double reporting wherein everything from the government's operating budget to crown corporations would be required in one single document.
Moreover, if there's one thing that the work this week by AG Michael Ferguson has done, it has raised the awareness of the importance of the position. That is why the New Brunswick government must dedicate a greater number of resources to the province's auditor general, especially if we [NBers] want to see a reduction in New Brunswick's accountability and transparency deficit. Let's face it, we all saw how important Sheila Fraser's role was in uncovering scandals, waste and mismanagement at the federal level. This could never have been accomplished without the proper staffing and resources to assist her in her very difficult position. Remember folks, the Auditor General is the legislature's watchdog and by default, taxpayers best friend. As a trustee of the public purse, there is no other greater responsibilty that is worth the investment than this office.
7 Comments:
I find it amusing that Corporate Research Associates has never come out with a poll which cross tabulates whether or not NBers are disatisfied with the tax increases.
It's always about the popularity of Graham's government and other fluffy marketing stuff. Nothing about the only policy they have inplemented (personal and small business rate hikes) since being in office for 2 years.
almost as amusing as boudreau talking falt taxes.
bill: I think the NB regional director for CRA (Maurice Robichaud) is now in Graham's office as a press secreary or COS?
So I'm sure he justs picks up the phone and requests some good push polling from whoever is now in charge. I have nothing against that, but you're right, they are far from independent.
anon: I know you meant "flat"m, but falt sounds much better. lol
Far be it from me to be a Liberal apologist but if you're going to raise taxes, you do it in the first year of your mandate and reduce them at the end. Dirty? Oh yeah but that's politics. The voters can complain but seriously, with two and a half years left in their mandate, what can we do except blog that we're mad? They know it too.
Great point, spinks. And that's a given when it comes to the current administration.
However, if NB had a more effective and tough opposition, maybe...just maybe...this would get more play in the press.
And speaking of politics, why don't they [NB tories] encourage their polling firm (which I think is or was Bristol) to conduct a few surveys that would expose the publics outrage towards some of their policies. Much like bill suggested above.
Harper didn't get it done.
We have the Highest income taxes in the country and are among the lowest paid per capita. The only ones who benefit from this are the Politicians because they always need raises and the wealthy like the Irving's who profits from keping the province poor...
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