Quote:
Originally Posted by Tinordi
This is actually a very regular policy outcome. The Federal government has many times through the history of equalization transfered "tax points" to provinces as a way of giving jurisidictions more autonomy over spending.
I don't understand why this is a bad thing.
|
Two different things. The example of ceding 'tax points' is when the feds are collecting taxes that get transfered back to the province for things that are of provincial responsibility anyway, so in any case we're talking about the same pool of money for the same spending priorities, just different wallet it gets collected in initially.
The tax room argument is different. It was initially collected for education that is provincial responsibility. Then when the room is left (Intended to be given back to the taxpayer as per the provincial goverment itself), the city then just grabbed it because they can to fund completely different priorities than why it was collected in the first place.
I understand why Nenshi supported taking it. He's addressed and pointed out many unfunded capital projects that he believes are important for the city. Great, just don't pretend that those funds aren't part of the civic tax increase becasuse they absolutely are.
I get it, there are a number of well-argued reasons why the city wants to raise taxes and get new forms of funding. Just don't piss in my ear and tell me its raining.