Property tax rates are much higher for businesses than home owners, which can cause serious problems, particularly when the economy falters
By Josef Filipowicz and Steven Globerman The Fraser Institute When homeowners receive their annual property tax bill from city hall, they’re likely unaware that the shop down the street pays a higher property tax rate – probably much higher. For example, according to a new Fraser Institute study, in the Calgary area, the average commercial…
The Ontario government continually makes corporate welfare payments that fly in the face of social policy
The Ontario government’s public accounts should be a source of despair to any taxpayer. They provide the latest reminder that politicians are addicted to spending other people’s money and will spend it on just about anything. That a government program is without public demand or is unsupported by sound economic reasoning doesn’t deter governments from…
At its core, the problem is related to lack of funding. It's time for Ottawa to provide the necessary funds or launch full-scale medicare reform
Most Canadians think our health-care system is a national treasure and much superior to the American system, where poor people often don’t get the treatments they need and costs can be catastrophic. Instead of focusing on how Canada’s health-care system compares to America’s, we should be looking at European systems that offer better health outcomes…
We continue to see several cities across Canada shifting the burden of property taxes to business owners: Altus Group
A report on Monday from Altus Group says that for the second consecutive year, Calgary saw the largest ratio increase among 11 Canadian cities surveyed for the 2019 Canadian Property Tax Rate Benchmark Report. The report looks at the ratios between commercial and residential property taxes across the country. Altus Group is a leading provider…
Over the past four decades, average real annual disposable income per capita rose 40% faster in the U.S. than in Canada, says a CIBC report
By Troy Media Real disposable income per capita in Canada is currently $13,000 higher than it was in 1980. But in the United States, it’s US$25,000 higher, says a report released on Monday by CIBC. Over the past four decades, average real annual disposable income per capita in Canada has risen by 1.3 per cent,…
Property tax imbalance erodes political accountability, discourages business investment and ultimately hurts employment
By Josef Filipowicz and Steven Globerman The Fraser Institute In many cities and towns across Canada, residential properties are increasing in value, while some local businesses are struggling to survive. There are different reasons for this development, including factors well beyond our borders. But in most of those municipalities, business property tax rates are higher…
Higher taxes discourage business investment, business startups, entrepreneurialism and investment in education
By Jake Fuss and Tegan Hill The Fraser Institute Before Canadians go to the polls on Oct. 21, they should understand each party’s tax plan, which unfortunately range from bad to worse to downright naive. Let’s start with the NDP and Green Party, which have similar plans. Both propose a new “wealth tax” and would…
Property taxes should reflect the level of services used by ratepayers: Fraser Institute
The commercial property tax rates in Calgary and Edmonton are two to three times higher than residential rates, with little rationale, says a report released on Thursday by public policy think-tank the Fraser Institute. The report said businesses in the two cities pay much higher property tax rates than residents, which can lead to businesses…
Liberal and Tory proposed tax cuts insufficient to improve Canada’s diminishing tax competitiveness
By Tegan Hill and Ben Eisen The Fraser Institute With less than a week before Canadians go to the polls, there has been little focus on Canada’s tax competitiveness, which is unfortunate given the major real-life impact of tax policy on Canadians. Yes, both the Conservative and Liberal party have pledged to cut personal income…
Big promises by big governments cost a lot. Just like interest payments go up on an unpaid credit card, interest payments on our national debt are also going up
As a 22 year old, I’ve not been very actively politically – until now. The federal election has definitely made me more engaged. Once I join the workforce, over time, I’ll likely be investing over half of my income not into a home or family needs, but into governments through taxes. That realization has motivated…
By Josef Filipowicz and Steven Globerman The Fraser Institute When homeowners receive their annual property tax bill from city hall, they’re likely unaware that the shop down the street pays a higher property tax rate – probably much higher. For example, according to a new Fraser Institute study, in the Calgary area, the average commercial…
