The Big Election is Just Around the Corner

[Mimas]

Ok, there has been a lot of speculation on this one. But the big bag of election presents is out to the election call must follow it shortly.

We got BIG presents for people who don't want to work. Really bad policy but great politics.

http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2006/11/21/i...esplitting.html

[Hydraboss]

What a load of crap. Just drop the base tax rate and be done with it.

[Jerry J. Fortin]

You can't drop taxes in Canada! What about the debt load and unfunded liabilities! The average citizen owes the government more than $150,000.00.

On the other hand, we are taxed rather highly.

Just another reason to take Alberta out of confederation.

[geoffrey]

True Jerry, those are two very good reasons. Enough reasons keep us here though.

I agree with Hydra. The CPC is supposed to be a conservative party. I don't get the vibe. Targetted tax cuts to special interests, a dramatically more complex tax system and increasing the burden on many corporations isn't conservative. The increase in taxes collected by 10% in personal income alone shows that this government is one of the biggest tax and spend government we've seen in awhile.

I guess you need to buy your way into power in Canada. That's why I voted against Martin. Likely why I'll vote against Harper.

I don't want my interests, and the interests of most Canadians, sold to a select few target vote groups.

[Jerry J. Fortin]

Well Geoffrey I guess that in all honesty I no longer see my interests as complimentary to that of "Canadians". For instance, it appears that a majority of "Canadians" favour a carbon tax type of proposal, I don't. It seems that most "Canadians" favour an increased international presence, I don't. Gun registry, not. Same sex marriage....nope.

For me the feds are simply wasting their time in parliment, I don't see the value in their efforts. I also don't see the benefit of remaining within confederation. There is an unworkable dinosaur of a constitution, no fixed election dates, no method of recall and no term limits to political office. From my perspective there is far too much government and at the same time far to little regulation. Too many bureaucrats and too little services for our tax dollars. The environment is being destroyed and the spectre of corporate governance hangs over our heads with powerful special interest lobby groups.

I favour a direct democracy, like the Swiss model. Its time for the people to have a say and determine what a real public agenda really is.

[geoffrey]

I don't trust the average person as much as you. More involvement of that majority you speak of is a dangerous thought.

[Jerry J. Fortin]

I don't trust the average person as much as you. More involvement of that majority you speak of is a dangerous thought.

It isn't about the average person its about society as a whole. If that society would lay claim to a democratic from of government then the definition of democracy needs to be reviewed and understood does it not. In my view the reason for the vast masses of apathetic citizens is the utter lack of true democracy. With freedom comes responsibility, and if we desire our freedom then we are obligated to defend it in the political process. As it stands today citizens see government as all powerful and corrupt. Many citizens look at corporate profits and CEO salaries and declare injustice for the working tax paying citizen, and why wouldn't they? They see politicians and their cronies leave public office and take up big salary jobs in the private sector using information and contacts gained from their public service. There is reason for their lack of participation in the system, they don't trust it! That is a problem that needs to be addressed.

I trust the average Albertan to decide what is best for themselves. I trust the average Albertans to speak their mind and stand up for themselves. I trust my fellow citizens to accept a majority opinion.

[hiti]

The pension income splitting for seniors is only for income from dividends, income trust and such. It does not include CPP income, Old Age security or work income.

[gerryhatrick]

Recall how the Liberals were lambasted by the media for spending money in November, knowing that a spring election was likely.

Will we see the same people leveling that same critisism at the Cons? Somehow I doubt it.

[geoffrey]

Will we see the same people leveling that same critisism at the Cons? Somehow I doubt it.

That damned conservative CBC hey gerry?

[Argus]

Ok, there has been a lot of speculation on this one. But the big bag of election presents is out to the election call must follow it shortly.

We got BIG presents for people who don't want to work. Really bad policy but great politics.

http://www.cbc.ca/money/story/2006/11/21/i...esplitting.html

None of this is really new, and none of it should surprise anyone. The tories have often advocated these things before. The income splitting is an old argument about couples being forced to pay more taxes than they'd pay individually.

[watching&waiting]

Income splitting as far as I am concerned is only about leveling the field for couples who are what this country is about, that struggle everyday to make do. It does not matter what their level of money is and for those who make really big money this will not really make that big a difference. The couple where one stays home will get the biggest benefit, but if the husband makes more then $120,000.00 it will make no difference at all.

For the average couple this will allow them to pay tax at a rate that is equal to their combined income, and will save the the lower income people a higher percentage then the higher ones. This is one tax break that the benefits will be more in terms of percentage of income, for the poor. I think it is a good idea. Especially since I am retired and the wife still works. This will give use a good tax break, and we are in the average grouping of people's incomes.

Of course the Liberals and NDP will call this vote buying, even though this has been talked about even by them when they were in power. But yes it finally take the CPC to do something for the people and not the usual party elite getting the most from it. It timing is what I would say is good, and yes I do think it was planned that way. Did not all the other parties do the same? The differenc is this is actually good for the majority of the people.