NB Taxpayers: Cutting taxes just the start

13 ways to leave economic decline in the dust

With the green paper about to be released early next week, a lot is being made of what 'could' or 'should' be done with the tax system in our province. I won't bother going into another long diatribe on what measures I think should be implemented by Mr. Boudreau in order to make our tax system more equitable and globally competitive.

If you have time and are interested (a little bit or a lot) in the future of our province and how we can achieve great things both fiscally and economically (and how we can all get there together), then I recommend you take a look at my Sensible Solutions for NB, which I might add, go much further then just cutting taxes so that we can achieve the prosperity that we so rightfully deserve. Moreover, unlike Paul Simon's 1975 hit song "50 ways to leave your lover", my plan is only 13 ways/steps to leave economic decline. Go take a look:

NB Budget Recommendations 2008 - Upload a doc

Read this doc on Scribd: NB Budget Recommendations 2008

Bits and pieces, this and that

A few things on this Saturday, the last day of May:

• After being overly consulted by so-called tax experts for months now, it will be interesting to see what the Liberals ultimately do with the Green paper's many recommendations? The big question here (which I'm sure is looming on the minds of many NB taxpayers) is: will they "shift" the tax burden in their next budget or will they actually cut personal and corporate income taxes deeper then when they found them?
  


• Oh yeah, and according to Finance Minister Victor Boudreau, when it comes to tax cuts for NBers, his government is listening. But to "who"are they actually listening to anyway? I think that's a reasonable question since they were the only provincial or federal jurisdiction in Canada to raise personal or corporate taxes since they entered office. Remember, "New Brunswick’s provincial income tax increase in 2007 meant that all individuals earning more than $52,700 paid more income tax then the previous year. Individuals with incomes below $52,700 paid less thanks to federal tax reductions, but their savings were smaller than other Canadian taxpayers because of the province’s tax hike." So let's hope they listen to the right people this time around.
  


• One or two rate hikes with a large surplus sitting there was bad enough for NBers, but three? That is definitely not 'the nature of forecasts', Mr. Morrison. Plus, rate hikes, as I said in the past, are like a hidden tax on rate payers. (See Update)
  


• I remember when Stockwell Day was leader of the Canadian Alliance back in 2001-02, he got caught up in a spy-for-hire scandal. Looking back, I'm sure he's thinking that he should have hired this gal instead.


• When the New Brunswick government suggested possible pay raises for MLAs last year, it got a very lukewarm reception from many NBers who saw it as unnecessary (it has since been past into law). Anyway, it looks like another provincial government is ready to boost salaries. Although in this particular case, unlike in New Brunswick, there was no panel, no polling and no openness to the process. Stelmach's government sneakily buried a notice in the daily compendium of Orders in Council, of something called the 'MLA Remuneration Order.' So how buried was it? Just click on the link and let Scott Hennig explain.


• I don't know about you, but I found this mulling a bit comical to say the least. I mean, come on, Alfonso Gagliano having another mandate (be it municipal) for how taxpayer's money should be spent? what a joke. Although, I know one guy that would disagree with my scribblings. lol
  


• Howard Dean...bonehead! Did I mention, he's a bonehead?
  

Nothing like a good ol' fight over "oil and taxes"

What would it actually look like if you moved the "spirit" of the Quebec separatist movement to Alberta, added a devolution clause to the constitution which would give the Wild Rose province their own powers and parliament, while refusing [federally] to use Alberta's oil-tax windfall to help families and companies in the area cope with crippling fuel prices? It would probably look like this.

Nasty. And you thought Harper et al. had problems.

Related: Fuel row: protests grow as costs begin to bite, SNP tax plans 'a huge mistake', Petrol prices a global issue, says Brown, Gordon Brown says oil prices will remain high, Brown: High oil prices here to stay, One of Brown's mistakes was abandoning the fuel-tax escalator.

Is the industry portfolio a good fit for Flaherty?

Lots of Ottawa chatter regarding a major cabinet shuffle in the Harper government. This post over at Sobering Thoughts (Paul Tuns) is a very good primer as to why this particular shuffle won't be major: "CTV reports that there will a big cabinet shuffle in Ottawa in the next few weeks. Finance Minister Jim Flaherty and Industry Minister Jim Prentice will probably switch jobs and three current ministers are likely to be dropped from the cabinet completely (Secretary of State Helena Guergis and Treasury Board President Vic Toews), three new faces are likely to be added (MPs James Moore, Gerald Keddy, and Rod Bruinooge). David Emerson will be given the full title to Foreign Affairs and Health Minister Tony Clement moves to take Emerson's trade portfolio -- if it isn't Clement, it could be Immigration Minister Diane Finley. If Clement moves, that will necessitate further changes. I think there will be tweaking, but I doubt that the kind of overhaul CTV is reporting are in the works -- that would be seen as an admission of comprehensive failure(s) by Stephen Harper and he is not going to do that.

Here's one prediction: if Clement moves from Health, either Prentice or Diane Ablonczy, currently the Secretary of State (Small Business & Tourism), will take his place. Flaherty stays in place."

I tend to agree with Paul as I think Flaherty will stay put in Finance even if CTV sources say he wants to "expand Industry Canada".

However, that being said, I'm certain that the business community are still a little nervous in central Canada (mostly the Ontario auto industry) at the thought of Flaherty being shuffled in as Industry Minister, especially those who see his stance on corporate welfare as a threat to their respective bottom lines.

Anyway, when push comes to shove, I don't think they have anything to worry about as Harper's government has veered to the left on a number of issues (including subsidies for business), plus, they need all the help they can get to further break through in Ontario.

Translation: they need to buy votes through the use of lucrative Industry Canada contracts. Furthermore, when has the word 'expand' ever meant less government interference over at 235 Queen St.

This is one blogger that is regretting "more of the same" from the next Industry Minister.

Corporate welfare is costly, and it's wasteful

Province taxpayers out $1.5 million

People ask me: why are you so adamantly opposed to having government grants and loans given to private companies and firms?

Well, for one thing, when they close up shop or leave, New Brunswick taxpayers are still on the hook. Is that a good enough answer?

So much for the 'success' of corporate welfare!

Is the Telegraph Journal being ironical?

It could be just sheer coincidence, but the title of the A4 editorial in the Telegraph Journal this morning slamming the Liberal government's self-sufficiency policy was a bit curious, especially since it has been used before as the title for a book critiquing a national policy implemented by a Liberal icon.

Again, just a coincidence? Or is this the TJ's way (or code) for saying "we don't endorse your education minister's bilingual policy?" :)

Either that, or they both thought of the same way to reword the title of a great Canadian literary work. Although, I think Mr. Reid has dibs.

Tax Bloc

With their support dwindling to around 28 per cent in Quebec (down 20 points since the sponsorship scandal), the Bloc Québécois have now decided to put sovereignty and separation talk on the back burner in favour of a new tax idea:

Ottawa should stop collecting taxes in Quebec and let the provincial government do the job on its behalf, the Bloc Québécois is arguing. [...]

Bloc House Leader Pierre Paquette said his party will table a bill on the matter in the fall, arguing a single tax filing would help Quebeckers and the Quebec government save about $600-million a year.

They're content on having the feds completely out of the picture when it comes to filing taxes in Quebec, but when the [full] MP's pension cheque comes in, there aren't too many complaints. I guess they too feel entitled to their entitlements (when it comes to our tax dollars).

In other words, they are good receivers just not good senders.

Jack Layton: Carbon tax would hurt the poor

Suzuki dumbfounded by Layton's environmental position












NDP leader Jack Layton was at a fundraiser for an Ottawa homeless shelter yesterday where he made a few interesting comments about poverty and how carbon taxes would be harmful to the poor:

"Those advocating a carbon tax suggest that by making the cost of certain things more expensive people will make different choices, but Canada is a cold place and heating your home really isn't a choice," Mr. Layton said. "We shouldn't punish people, and that's what a carbon tax does."

[Layton's] remarks yesterday were preceded by a wake of left-wing discontent where environmentalist David Suzuki told CTV's Question Period this past Sunday that he was "shocked" by the NDP's opposition to the possible implementation of a carbon tax:

"I thought that they had a very progressive environmental outlook," Mr. Suzuki said. "To oppose [the carbon tax plan], it's just nonsense. It's certainly the way we've got to go."

The way we've got to go? Well, it would seem that only Stephane Dion (and a few other environmental alarmist) would like to see this tax rammed through parliament and become reality. Not exactly an overwhelming majority in the house, is it Mr. Suzuki? But wait.

With all that being said, it would still seem that one individual , or party, on the home front here is mulling over whether or not to implement a similar regressive "carbon tax" at the provincial level.

And with global economic uncertainty at an all-time high and provincial income taxes through the roof, just why does our finance minister believe this is a good time to sneak in a permanent new tax on gas, electricity and everything else that NBers buy. And to think, I thought they were supposed to be looking into ways to make our tax system more competitive? Clearly, if Dion and Boudreau get their way, it will mean that NBers will be "double taxed" on fuel and electricity consumption. How's that for competitive? Sucks pretty bad, huh TJ?

I guess your party has absolutely no regard for middle to lower income earners who will not only be gouged by such a tax, but in some cases, be without electricity or heat in the dead of winter.

Not to mention, as in BC and with Elizabeth May, with a carbon tax always comes the promise of it being revenue neutral. We all know that, in the end, this never ends up being the case.

Update: No mention of the 12 cents per litre tax on gasoline which her proposal would include (see the above link), however, Ms. May did continue to tout the carbon tax on CTV's Question Period as "revenue neutral, or as she calls it now, a "tax shift". See 1 minute mark here.

Related: Carbon taxes have little impact on environment: think tank, Suzuki slams NDP, Tories, backs Dion's carbon tax, Harper slams Liberal carbon tax as foolish, Disloyal Grits hurt their own chances, MP warns, Screwing up Canada #2, Suzuki shocked by Layton.

Gov't funding for sex-changes back in Ontario

I see Ontario Premier [Dalton] McGuinty is spending taxpayers dollars wisely once again in his province (from CTF blog):

Ontario Taxpayers Fund Sex-Change Operations

Ontario began covering the bill for “sex-change” operations in 1971, but ceased doing so in 1998 under the Progressive Conservative government. In 2006, the Ontario Human Rights Commission required compensation for three patients midway through preparation for sex-change surgery during the 1998 insurance plan change. Now public funding is back regardless, at about $17,000 an operation. Health Minister George Smitherman estimates only ten Ontarians a year will have the surgery.

I guess if there is one thing to be pleased with here, it is that this isn't the case in New Brunswick. Plus, it looks like one federal politician intends to stop federal cash from funding such procedures in the future. Glad to see someone has their head screwed on right.

Update: I've received a few hateful emails from people who believe I am a bigot for posting this blog. So I think it is important to clear a few things up. Firstly, I have nothing against individuals who want to have a "sex-change" operation. As I have said many times on this blog, I am a practicing libertarian, and therefore believe it is none of my damn business (nor the governments) what individuals do in their private lives, especially if they obey the law and are not hurting someone else as a result of their behaviour. Secondly, the intention of this blogpost was to place emphasis on the priorities of government spending by the McGiunty government. In other words, I believe it is unacceptable to have hundreds of patients waiting months for basic cancer treatment and MRIs while the Ontario government finds money for a sex-change program. I could be wrong, but having a sex-change isn't a life or death circumstance, so why is McGuinty jeopardizing the lives of many to satisfy a few (on the taxpayers dime btw).

Related: Ottawa shouldn't pick up tab for sex-changes: MP, Tory MP says Ottawa shouldn't pick up tab for Ontario's sex-change coverage, Questions remain about sex-change coverage, Ontario health plan to cover sex-change surgery, OHIP to cover sex changes, Ontario to resume coverage of sex-change operations, Ontario reinstates funding for sex-change surgery nearly a decade after ending program.

Property taxes: Libs sending a conflicting message

If you haven't heard the latest, a few weeks back Justice Minister TJ Burke (or the "blogger general" as he's known in the blogosphere) was allegedly forced to take down a frank and to the point blog post on his new blog "Say it like it is" where he described provincial property taxes in three words, ""Wow ... they suck!!"

He went onto describe his own personal situation in Fredericton, but I won't get into that (you can read my original post here). Anyway, the main question here IMHO, which is still outstanding with regards to his missing blog post, is: just why was he forced to 86 this post? And who demanded that he do so?

OK, some readers may see it as pointless for "us" bloggers to continue on with our noble crusade regarding this matter, but as I see it, the government now has three conflicting arguments out there in the public sphere on where they stand on high property taxes, so at the very least, they owe NBers an explanation to just what the mindset "really" is in the premier's office on this issue, no? I mean here's what we got so far on property taxes from the Liberal cabinet:

First, we have a Finance Minister --- Victor Boudreau --- who is on record (on the eve of the last budget) stating that "the insurance premium tax on property, at 3%, is equal to that in Ontario, Manitoba and Alberta, and lower than in Newfoundland & Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, Québec, Saskatchewan and British Columbia." But just a few months later, he flip-flopped somewhat on his original statement in that his government would be open to changes in the assessment process on property since, as he said, the "Green Paper will outline options to significantly reform the tax system to better facilitate income and wealth generation by all New Brunswickers, and make the province more attractive to investment and high paying jobs." So essentially, property tax (assessment system) should be included in this reform since hardworking folks (who work high paying jobs or regular jobs at that) look at such things when relocating to another province. Anyway, if you're the counting type, that's two messages from good ol' Victor.

Second, just a few months after the budget was dropped by Boudreau, we had Attorney General and Justice Minister TJ Burke come out strong against high property taxes stating on his own blog that "Now, generally I don't complain about taxes, but holy cow what a tax burden I am facing this year! I know many other New Brunswickers saying the same thing. Enough said." I agree with TJ, enough said. But wait?

Here's where things start to get complicated as just a week after posting his frank commentary on his blog, the post magically disappeared. I'm sure nobody would have noticed since he had posted a few more post on top of that one (essentially burying it to the bottom of the page), but thanks to spinks (who I know to be a person who pays attention to detail), the pulling of the blog was outed. Thus, sparking the local MSM to go on a witch hunt both on the radio and in the newspaper for definitive answers regarding TJ's missing blogpost. A witch hunt which led to another conflicting set of circumstances with regards to property taxes and TJ Burke. Just what was it?

Well, since the deafening silence of TJ Burke could be felt clear across the Miramichi all the way to Fredericton, Service NB Minister Greg Byrne decided to jump into the frey on behalf of his cabinet friend stating that Burke must have been misguided in his statements because he "doesn't mind paying taxes." Huh? That's peculiar? Anyway, he went on to tout one of the so-called party lines on property taxes and lumped his own message on the matter into a conversation he said had taken place with Burke, "I have had many conversations with the minister and he certainly recognizes that the property tax assessment system is a fair system and that the asset that you have and the asset that he has, is his best asset." Well, after reading his original blogpost, he could have fooled me. Ha! Ha!

So there you have it folks. We have a Finance Minister who thinks the property assessment system to be so good that he had a tax expert from CD Howe come in to review it, we have an Attorney General who thinks property taxes seriously suck and we have a Service NB Minister who thinks his colleague, TJ Burke, is delusional since he told him he doesn't mind paying taxes and thinks they're great! Talk about a conflicting bunch when it comes to property taxes.

Anyway, I apologize if this post sounded a bit confusing, that's because it was. Which is why I think Mr. Burke could save us all a big headache by clearing up this mess. The ball is in your court Teej.

H/H/T (Huge Hat Tip): Spink About It.

Gas Tax Honesty Day hits the streets of NB

Once again, NBers are being hosed at the pumps, although roadway spending has substantially increased

Canadian Taxpayers Federation National Director John Williamson speaks with members of the press at the Esso on Prospect and Smythe in Fredericton during the launch of the 10th Annual Gas Tax Honesty Day campaign. For more information, click on the photo below.



















CTF Petition: Get involved, sign online gas tax petition sign it!

Video: Watch Canadian Press video of event.

New Brunswick press coverage: Some drivers get a surprise at the gas pumps, A bit beyond customer appreciation, nbt's 2007 campaign.

National coverage: Over 30% gas tax at the pump, Be honest!, CTF wants entire gas tax revenue spent on roads, Canadian Taxpayers Federation Holds Annual Gas Tax Honesty Day, Use gas tax for roads, Ottawa urged, Take 5 pennies off the gas pump, taxpayers federation urges Ottawa, Gas Tax Lies, Gas Tax Campaign Offers Free Money, 100% of fuel tax windfall should go toward infrastructure, Unsuspecting pumpers get cash back, Gas Tax Adding To Pump Pain.

NB Municipal elections: post mortem bits & pieces

Lots of excitement last night, not to mention, judging from the number of incumbents falling to defeat, lots of people favouring change. Anyway, for all those in New Brunswick suffering from post election blues today, I thought I would offer up a few quick observations/points on what I noticed as somewhat relevant:

• I know the Times & Transcript officially endorsed his candidacy (and so did I), but I found their lead headline LeBlanc by a landslide a bit much since voter turnout, IMO, was the real issue in Moncton on Monday night whereby almost 70 per cent of Monctonians did not turnout to the polls. Could this be a reflection of discontent/apathy amongst the electorate or did the candidates not engage the voters? By golly, it has to be one of the two!
  
• Speaking of newspaper endorsements, I see spinks has stumbled upon a trend, or should I say an election jinx, with regards to the Telegraph Journal. Not only are they the kiss of death, he believes the TJ may also be "a little out of touch with the people and may be getting a bit of a backlash."
  
• I see Gypsy blog noticed a few trends with regards to voter turnout. A few more tidbits: (highest turnout) Le Goulet with 81.69 per cent; (lowest turnout) Woodstock with 20.32 per cent. I notice another striking difference in turnout, in that, it was much higher in rural New Brunswick then it was in the cities. Cities: 53.6 per cent; Towns and villages: 58.2 per cent. That rural number would have been higher but acclamations in some towns brought the figure down a bit (since there was no reason to turn out).
• If the Saint John and Fredericton mayor's races taught us anything, it is that high property taxes (and overall tax burdens) were definitely an issue; although, it seems they were being touted by uncharismatic candidates that couldn't connect to that discontent. So essentially, the issue fell on deaf ears. Speaking of the race in the capital, Brad Woodside should definitely be congratulated for going down in the freddy beach municipal record books as longest serving mayor. The guy's tough to beat.
  
• Tanker is back in the saddle once gain, and according to Adam Huras' title, it's where he wants to be...not sure if his pal Charles Leblanc would agree! Although, Chucky won't have to waste much digital photo space this time following him around the streets of freddy. ;)
  
• I see the town of Sussex voted a resounding "Yes" in their plebiscite to set a clear path for merging (amalgamation) with Sussex Corner. The TJ describes Sussex Corner as "hesitant" over the matter. I can see why considering only 27 per cent of Sussex voted on the manner in the plebiscite. What does the other 73 per cent think? Are they for merger?
  

NBers getting badly gouged by property taxes

GMA & surrounding carrying the heaviest property tax load

Atlantic Institute for Market Studies just recently released their interim municipal report card for all 102 New Brunswick municipalities, and let me tell you, the news definitely isn't good at all for NB property taxpayers, especially those in the southeastern part of the province where I live.

According to Times & Transcript reporter Aloma Jardine:

It's no wonder residents of southeastern New Brunswick have been complaining about their tax bills.

Out of the 102 municipalities ranked in the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies' interim municipal report card for the province, five of the 11 communities with the largest average residential tax burden are located here.

Sackville, Dieppe, Riverview, Moncton, and Shediac are all well above the $1,078 provincial average, from Shediac in 11th spot at $1,561 to Sackville at $2,194 -- the highest in the province.

Dieppe residents are in second place and on the hook for an average of $2,000, followed by Riverview in eighth with a tax burden of $1,721 and Moncton in ninth with $1,676.

I guess Justice Minister TJ Burke was right after all when he said, "Property taxes suck!"

Take a look for yourself (I've listed the top 11 property tax burdens) [i]:

Municipalities	Average Residential Tax Burden, 2005-07 [ii]
Sackville	$2,194
Dieppe	$2,000
New Maryland	$1,934
Quispamsis	$1,895
Rothesay	$1,854
St. Andrews	$1,770
Fredericton	$1,743
Riverview	$1,721
Moncton	$1,676
Oromocto	$1,604
Shediac	$1,561

[i] Holly Chisholm and Ian Munroe, Having Your Say: Helping AIMS help you improve local government in New Brunswick (Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, May 2008)

[ii] Chisholm and Munroe, pg. 11

Related: Tax burden heavy in capital, Growth Small business would rather not depend on subsidies, Belledune tops in N.B. development spending, Candidates disagree over taxes.

NBT endorses Leblanc's bid for Moncton mayor

George Leblanc would "do a brilliant job" as Moncton mayor and is "exactly the kind of leader" the city needs, says tax advocate.

Not only has he demonstrated that he is "twice as charismatic and twice as energetic" as his rival Pierre Michaud, he has clearly set himself apart on the issues, most importantly taxation:

"It is very clear in my action plan that I intend to make (lowering taxes) my first priority," he says. "But it has to be done in a responsible way."

Leblanc has promised to establish a committee to review taxes and spending in City Hall, well in advance of next year's budget. Here are a few highlights from his Action Plan under Building Prosperity:

TAXES

I believe that low taxes and housing costs are essential to maintaining a competitive and quality community. Property taxes are made up of the assessment of your property, which is done by the provincial government multiplied by the tax rate, which is set by city council. To ensure that tax dollars are spent wisely and effectively and that we have a fair and competitive tax rate, I will:

• Establish a committee comprised of members of council and leading citizens to study and report to the mayor and council within four months on recommendations on our taxation levels, spending by the City and determining whether tax cuts are achievable, given our current commitments – all with the goal of determining a fair and appropriate tax level for our citizens.
• Implement an immediate freeze on all discretionary spending and hiring for the City for the remainder of 2008 to permit an appropriate review by the committee.
• Request a meeting with the Minister of Finance and the Premier to discuss the need to immediately deal with the escalating assessments.
• Review potential annexation for areas that benefit from City services to establish a level playing field regarding taxation.

DEMOCRATIC REFORM

Open and accountable municipal government must be one of the cornerstones of any modern city. That is why I believe there are many things we can do to make City Hall more responsive to your needs. As mayor, I will:

• Enact a Citizens’ Bill of Rights to establish and codify citizens’ rights in relation to municipal government, staff and affairs.
• Seek greater community participation in all council committees and commissions, and include at least one citizen on all council committees.
• Establish a Red Tape Reduction Committee.
• Develop an e-communications plan for electronic communications with citizens.
• Hold annual town hall ward meetings with council.
• Provide opportunities for community input in an annual strategic plan review.
• Seek municipal electoral reform to provide open and transparent financing of municipal elections, including spending limits, disclosure on contributions and expenses, equal financial treatment with provincial elections, incentives to facilitate greater participation and to make it easier for mothers, women and all others to run for municipal election, and more effective and modern voting processes
• Electoral boundaries and representation to be reviewed every 10 years.
• Establish a plan of action to be implemented commencing January 1 of every election year to encourage electoral participation and informed voting.

STRATEGIC ECONOMIC PLAN

Moncton has been blessed with a strong and vibrant economy over the last 15 years, however we have to continually ensure we have the right elements in place as a city to keep the various pieces of our economic engine running. To that end, as mayor I will:

• In 2009, hold a major economic summit bringing together community, business and municipal leaders to develop an economic blueprint for Moncton’s future.
• Establish a Mayor’s Economic Roundtable to regularly discuss opportunities to keep our economy moving and our current businesses prosperous.
• Identify specific future growth sectors and develop a strategic plan to promote areas such as:
- Moncton as a shopping destination, sport tourism destination and pursue other tourism opportunities.
- Language and language technology and translation
- Health industry and retirement service
- Transportation services

The mayor, city council, and school board elections will be on May 12. Make sure you get out and vote for George. The choice, this time, could mean the difference between being gouged by higher taxes or having more of your money left in your wallet. Not a hard choice.

Related: George LeBlanc announces candidacy for mayor of Moncton, Former city councillor wants to be Moncton mayor, Mayor hopefuls go face-to-face, Mayor race heats up, Moncton stadium spurs hopes of CFL franchise, LeBlanc unveils election platform, Campaign Photos.

So much for the separation of church and water ;)

Newspapers: Harper to meet with N.B. flood victims, Province working on flood aid plan, N.B. flood causing headaches for farmers trying to move herds to safety, Flood aid coming, premier says, Harper to visit flood-weary N.B. Friday, Fredericton spared as towns downstream swamped, River levels on decline, Flood waters peak.

The Blogs: NB flooding to hit record, Selling hot dogs in the biggest tourist attraction in flood city of Fredericton, Flood waters don't seem to go down in Fredericton, Flood action, Beechwood dam, assholes, 'Up and Down' Flood Watch.

The Pics: Charles Leblanc I, II, Awareness I, II, Facing Autism in NB.

Facebook: Brent Taylor day 1, day 2, Heather Anslow's Photos.

Youtube: Flood 08

A painful experience

Canadians would rather visit the dentist than fill out their taxes. No surprise given the delays today on CRA's website due to heavy volumes on the NetFiling system...caused by last-minute filers.


















Related: T-Day: Pay the taxman by midnight or else!, Tax deadline extended, unless you owe, Netfile users get May 6 tax extension, Revenue agency fouls up, still gives taxpayers a break. Now, that's a change, Online logjam gives respite to tardy filers, Hey, Mr. Taxman