Nenshi is currently pitching an idea where cities can have the option to raise the GST from 5% to 6%, with the proceeds going to help build infrastructure. Not a bad idea IMO, but those who hate all tax raises will be up in arms I'm sure...
Quote:
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Calgary’s mayor, along with an alliance of business leaders, are pitching the idea of a “penny tax” to help build social infrastructure facilities such as libraries and arts and recreation centres.
Mayor Naheed Nenshi said Thursday that Calgary and other Canadian cities could build new facilities sooner if Ottawa would increase the GST by one per cent as an infrastructure surtax.
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Gibbins said the best way to implement such a plan is to put the idea to the people.
“If you ask people in general if they want a new tax they are going to say no,” he said. “But the tax increase would be tied to a particular project and the voter decides through a referendum. You tell them project X will take this long and cost this much and they decide if it’s a good idea or not. It is both transparent and specific.”
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Link:
http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Ma...206/story.html