Quote:
Originally Posted by Makarov
Sorry, I'm confused. Who is arguing this? As I understand it, the WRP is arguing that Alberta has no revenue problem whatsoever.
|
The PC government is arguing this. They have come out many times and said the the reason for the deficit is the price differential.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Makarov
Why? I don't understand why excess spending must be addressed automatically prior to insufficient revenues? Why can't both be addressed? A balanced approach would make it much easier and much faster (especially because it takes years for collective bargaining agreements to expire and be renegotiated) to reach a rational fiscal balance.
In any event, clearly we can have a reasonable and serious discussion about whether revenues should be increased or expenses somehow reduced. My entire point throughout this discussion has been: why isn't the WRP engaging in that discussion? Why did they instead cherry pick meaningless income tax statistics and then conclude that Alberta has no revenue problem?
|
The reason people don't like talking about both at once is because they are afraid that if the province thinks tax hikes are politically feasible they will go that route and ignore cuts.
Another problem I have with tax hikes like the HST is that I really think the future of this province should be towards tax reform and shifting income taxes to consumption taxes. If a consumption tax is brought in without the corresponding income tax cut that goal is dead.
As for the WRP response, I am no longer on the board of directors with the WRP so I can not speak to why they are doing anything.