Quote:
Originally Posted by Cleveland Steam Whistle
People act as though "corporate welfare" is not a common practice. The government through numerous ways (tax breaks, subsidies, ect..) actively encourage businesses to locate and operate in this city and province all the time because it's good for the economy of the region.
It's just very few of these things are as above board and noticeable or as scrutinized as a new arena for a hockey team. Back in the Klein days, they literally branded the tax reduction / subsidy program that gave big enterprise business tax breaks and exemptions the "Alberta Advantage". Don't kid your self, this stuff happens all the time with for profit businesses and is a key pillar of our local economy.
|
Ok, but if the government is wasting money on one thing doesn't mean they should waste money on something else to even it out.
For example, just because Murray Edwards and CNQ are getting a boat load of $$ with a government guaranteed contract for the north west refining partnership and Murray Edwards and Enhance Energy are getting a boat load of $$ from the government carbon fund for the carbon trunk line, doesn't mean Murray Edwards and the Flames should get a bunch of $$ for a new arena.
What it means is we should stop subsidizing businesses and billionaires, and have lower taxes for everyone. (Or more money for health/education, or something that isn't corporate welfare)