Harper government provoking an election?

[godzilla]

wow, this is news to me....

"The options open to Mr. Flaherty include reductions in the four bands of personal income tax, including the lowest band that was actually increased to 15.5% from 15% in the 2006 budget in order to pay for the first GST cut."

http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/s...f36&k=45232

this is like a frickin head tax (because all income earners have earnings in this band)!

at first i was really quite amazed that the conservatives where all crazy on the gst... it being a regressive tax and all. but of course, we've found out that the rich hate it the most because they are the ones who are paying such high premiums on those fancy items. its much easier to loophole personal income tax then it is the gst...

a rise in the lowest band of income tax for the wealthy measured against their savings in gst is a huge benefit to them... on the backs of all canadians!

Edited October 23, 2007 by godzilla

[shavluk]

Yes

Vote Green as We are all from other parties beholden to no one and sick of the crap of the other parties

harper is all about broken promises just like the liberals and the ndp are now the laytondp and ,,,well it should be clear already how silly voting for him is.

[August1991]

at first i was really quite amazed that the conservatives where all crazy on the gst... it being a regressive tax and all. but of course, we've found out that the rich hate it the most because they are the ones who are paying such high premiums on those fancy items. its much easier to loophole personal income tax then it is the gst...

Yet Brian Mulroney is hated because he introduced the GST and the NDP/Liberals, rather than be honest, promised to eliminate it. IIRC, Chretien won an election or two with that promise.

If you want a truly regressive head tax, consider CPP and EI contributions. They stop at an income of about $40,000. Paul Desmarais pays the same as everyone else.

----

Godzilla, you have also missed the main point of Iverson's article and it's worthy of a new thread (with a better title than this one). The Conservatives are determined to have an election in the next few months and they're angling to make it happen. The Throne Speech gambit didn't work. Next is the Crime Bill. If that fails, then it'll be a mini-budget. The Tories will keep extending banana peals hoping that Dion will slip on one eventually.

Edited October 23, 2007 by August1991

[godzilla]

Yet Brian Mulroney is hated because he introduced the GST and the NDP/Liberals, rather than be honest, promised to eliminate it. IIRC, Chretien won an election or two with that promise.

If you want a truly regressive head tax, consider CPP and EI contributions. They stop at an income of about $40,000. Paul Desmarais pays the same as everyone else.

----

Godzilla, you have also missed the main point of Iverson's article and it's worthy of a new thread (with a better title than this one). The Conservatives are determined to have an election in the next few months and they're angling to make it happen. The Throne Speech gambit didn't work. Next is the Crime Bill. If that fails, then it'll be a mini-budget. The Tories will keep extending banana peals hoping that Dion will slip on one eventually.

while this appears to be an attack on the conservatives... its little matter what government is doing it. its just that the coservatives are currently doing it. canadians need more detail regarding any changes to the tax system!

[luvacuppajoe]

Yet Brian Mulroney is hated because he introduced the GST and the NDP/Liberals, rather than be honest, promised to eliminate it. IIRC, Chretien won an election or two with that promise.

If you want a truly regressive head tax, consider CPP and EI contributions. They stop at an income of about $40,000. Paul Desmarais pays the same as everyone else.

----

Godzilla, you have also missed the main point of Iverson's article and it's worthy of a new thread (with a better title than this one). The Conservatives are determined to have an election in the next few months and they're angling to make it happen. The Throne Speech gambit didn't work. Next is the Crime Bill. If that fails, then it'll be a mini-budget. The Tories will keep extending banana peals hoping that Dion will slip on one eventually.

I don't see the Tories itching for an election. Despite the polls showing them flirting into majority territory I don't believe Harper's yet comfortable with that, knowing the public's distaste for another election (especially in vote-weary Ontario) would likely contribute to some punitive backlash.

Speaking of Ontario, I doubt too that Harper is very willing to march in fresh on the heels of a Tory loss in that coveted and vote-rich province.

He knows Dion's weakness and he's perfectly willing to take advantage of it while he bides his time, and quite successfully by the looks of it. With Dion's demonstrated comfort in selling his soul to the devil, Harper doesn't need an imminent election. You don't pull punches when you have your opponent on the ropes.

[1967100]

COULD FORCE ELECTION

Tax cuts meant to provoke Liberals

John Ivison, National Post, with files from Paul Vieira

Published: Tuesday, October 23, 2007

[ deleted by moderator due to copyright and repetition; this was the same article linked article in the opening post ]

_____________________________________________________-

So the neocons are planning to cut the budget and at the same time cut aid to thousands of poor men and women who need more government assistance in order to get by. Is this what we could expect from Mr. Harper, the Bush of Canada?

---

ADDENDUM:

This thread is a fusion of two separate threads each started and quoting the same article. The previous thread titles were:

Harper Government could present "mini-budget"

last gst reduction..., paid for with a flat tax!

Edited October 24, 2007 by Charles Anthony
merged two threads

[M.Dancer]

This much I can say for the last 2 governements....the tax part of my pay is getting smaller. I get a regular pay and bonuses throughout the year...the regular part of my pay over the course of the last two gov'ts has increased by almost 100 dollars as taxes have lessened. If retailers can bring their prices in line, it will be double happiness as we will have that much more disposable income.

So like most Canadians we would rather our $700 in our pockets than in someone elses

In short, I'm looking forward to a budget that will keep the economy in a goldilocks mood and and a bank of canada policy that will keep the loonie in reign.

[jdobbin]

In short, I'm looking forward to a budget that will keep the economy in a goldilocks mood and and a bank of canada policy that will keep the loonie in reign.

What I found amusing is that the National Post suggested on their cover that the government might fail for giving Canadians a taxbreak. As if. heh

The Liberals should push for huge tax decreases this budget.

[capricorn]

The Liberals should push for huge tax decreases this budget.

IMO what Canadians are looking for at the moment is tax relief with all this talk of economic well being, low unemployment and surpluses. If the Liberals raised the ante on the Conservatives tax reduction plans, their polling numbers should go up as a result. If not, it would be a clear indication that it's not Liberal policy but a reflection of Dion's unpopularity with the electorate as leader. Thus, a new strategy would be imperative. Dare I say what that might be?

[ScottSA]

So the neocons are planning to cut the budget and at the same time cut aid to thousands of poor men and women who need more government assistance in order to get by. Is this what we could expect from Mr. Harper, the Bush of Canada?

We can only hope.

[August1991]

So the neocons are planning to cut the budget and at the same time cut aid to thousands of poor men and women who need more government assistance in order to get by. Is this what we could expect from Mr. Harper, the Bush of Canada?

As long as Leftist anti-Harper types play the man, and not his policies, Harper will safely succeed.

It is pathetic how, in English Canada, the greatest insult is to compare someone to an American. How sadly small a view of Canada, and the world.

[capricorn]

Is this what we could expect from Mr. Harper, the Bush of Canada?

"Bush of Canada", "scary Harper" and "hidden agenda" have pretty well worn thin with the majority of Canadians. The problem is some of the talking heads of the Liberals have not caught on yet. The proof is in the opinion polls which spell out that Canadians appear to be ready to give Harper and his Conservatives a majority in the next elections. That is, of course, unless the Liberals deliver a miracle. I'm afraid this miracle will not materialize as long as Mr. Dion is at the helm.

[luvacuppajoe]

Why would the Liberals vote against tax cuts after having just criticized the Tories for having a larger than expected surplus (aka overtaxing Canadians)?

How would the Liberals expect any voter support for that stance, especially after all the hype about how they cut the lowest tax bracket only to have the Tories raise it again?

The only ones gunning for an election are the media.

[Michael Bluth]

Why would the Liberals vote against tax cuts after having just criticized the Tories for having a larger than expected surplus (aka overtaxing Canadians)?

How would the Liberals expect any voter support for that stance, especially after all the hype about how they cut the lowest tax bracket only to have the Tories raise it again?

The only ones gunning for an election are the media.

The Liberals would vote against tax cuts because they have no principles. If they saw it to their advantage at the moment, then that would guide their vote.

The Liberals have a rock solid 28% of the vote that apparently won't abandon them no matter what.

Don't know if the media are the only ones gunning for an election.

The NDP and Bloc would definitely like one. The Conservatives aren't totally opposed to the idea. They've just hamstrung themselves with the fixed election date law. Long-term it's the best thing for the country and a healthy democracy.

[jdobbin]

Why would the Liberals vote against tax cuts after having just criticized the Tories for having a larger than expected surplus (aka overtaxing Canadians)?

The Liberals are already talking about greater tax cuts than the Tories are promising. It is hilarious the headline in yesterday's National Post and it is no wonder they are backing off the silly claim today.

[Fortunata]

The Liberals would vote against tax cuts because they have no principles. If they saw it to their advantage at the moment, then that would guide their vote.

Oooohhhhh principles! Something like the "new" government turned on their environmental conscience? Who here believes Steve had a sudden change of heart about climate change?

Anybody?

Bueller?

[Michael Bluth]

Who here believes Steve had a sudden change of heart about climate change?

Sudden change of heart?

He opposes Kyoto. He opposed it when he ran in 2004. He opposed it when he ran for the leadership.

Nope, no sudden change of heart there.

Try again.

[Fortunata]

Sudden change of heart?

He opposes Kyoto. He opposed it when he ran in 2004. He opposed it when he ran for the leadership.

Nope, no sudden change of heart there.

Try again.

So you are saying there is nothing different from the electioneering to now? They haven't had a change of heart over climate change? That they didn't all of a sudden come "on-line" after polls showed Canadians felt very strongly that it was an issue?

Sure.

[Michael Bluth]

So you are saying there is nothing different from the electioneering to now? They haven't had a change of heart over climate change? That they didn't all of a sudden come "on-line" after polls showed Canadians felt very strongly that it was an issue?

Sure.

I'm saying try and be a little more specific with your accusations.

Look at the Conservative's stand in the election. They said they rejected Kyoto, rejected the idea of sending money abroad and wanted to provide a made in Canada solution. That is what they have done.

I prefer a government that gets things done rather than one that promises everything to everybody.

[Keepitsimple]

I'm saying try and be a little more specific with your accusations.

Look at the Conservative's stand in the election. They said they rejected Kyoto, rejected the idea of sending money abroad and wanted to provide a made in Canada solution. That is what they have done.

I prefer a government that gets things done rather than one that promises everything to everybody.

Amen.

[gc1765]

Sudden change of heart?

He opposes Kyoto. He opposed it when he ran in 2004. He opposed it when he ran for the leadership.

Nope, no sudden change of heart there.

In other words, you are saying that Harper is willing to stick with the so-called "socialist scheme"? I never thought of Harper as a socialist...

[Michael Bluth]

In other words, you are saying that Harper is willing to stick with the so-called "socialist scheme"?

What are you talking about?

Harper definitely isn't sticking with Kyoto.

Nope, I never thought of Harper as a socialist either.

[gc1765]

What are you talking about?

Harper definitely isn't sticking with Kyoto.

Nope, I never thought of Harper as a socialist either.

"OTTAWA -- Environment Minister John Baird says Canada will not formally withdraw from the Kyoto protocol, even though the Conservative government's latest throne speech declared the objectives in the global climate change treaty are unattainable.

Environmental groups called the statement "patently dishonest," saying if the Tories had the strength of their convictions, they would explicitly abandon the treaty as they promised in the 2004 election campaign and suffer the political consequences.

...

Prime Minister Stephen Harper pledged to kill the Kyoto Protocol he was in opposition, describing it as nothing more than scheme to transfer wealth to developing nations. Following the January 2006 the Tories cancelled billions of dollars worth of federal climate change initiatives, but brought them back a year later with new names."

Link

I don't know about you, but if I thought something was a socialist scheme, I'd want to kill it.

[capricorn]

Re the impending November mini budget, Harper is about to bait the Liberals with a proposed 1% GST cut and corporate tax cuts. David McCallum, Liberal finance critic, has spoken against these proposed measures.

The way I see it, the Conservatives have a winning hand here. Given the healthy surplus racked up last year, the proposed GST cut and corporate tax cut could be absorbed by another anticipated surplus. In other words, it looks like the country can afford it.

What I found laughable is that the bureaucracy is bitching that it cannot produce such a mini-budget document within the time frame laid out by the Government. Whatever happened to putting your nose to the grindstone and getting the job done? Oh yeah, I forgot, we're talking about the federal public service whose motto is "What's the big rush?"

"However, it is understood the plan is being resisted in the Privy Council Office by senior public servants, who argue that the bureaucracy may not be able to prepare a mini-budget in time for the scheduled fiscal update."

http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/news/st...e88&k=79077

[jdobbin]

Re the impending November mini budget, Harper is about to bait the Liberals with a proposed 1% GST cut and corporate tax cuts. David McCallum, Liberal finance critic, has spoken against these proposed measures.

The way I see it, the Conservatives have a winning hand here. Given the healthy surplus racked up last year, the proposed GST cut and corporate tax cut could be absorbed by another anticipated surplus. In other words, it looks like the country can afford it.

They also said they would not vote against this tax cut and would push for even higher corporate and income tax cuts