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Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix
There's 'so many issues' in my post? I notice you listed three things. I'll address them.
1) Yeah I'm in BC, should've clarified that. Our MLAs get ridiculous pensions, as do the feds. I'm more speaking about politics in general, I am relatively ignorant of Alberta's political scene in particular, though this Redford mess piqued my interest I have to say. Good on Alberta for getting rid of them if true, pensions for politicians is a travesty.
2) The government isn't a private company and shouldn't be treated as such. Funny thing about expensing meals is people abuse the hell out of that privilege, I'm sure politicians are no different. If a private company wants to pay for employee's meals with clients, fine I don't care at all, none of my business. Personally I just don't agree with politicians doing it unless it's a public event already paid for anyway. Doesn't benefit society at large, just rich people who want stuff for free.
3) I guess you don't consider $150k extremely well compensated. Good for you but it is, given the amount of work these people actually do. When a number ($150k) is only earned by 2-3% of a country's population, I'd say it's a lot of money.The average gross income in this country is what? 50-60k? Too lazy to look it up but that's probably close. Tripling that for a politician is outrageous. These people are supposed to represent us, not use our taxes to fund their lavish lifestyle. You may earn a lot of money judging by your post but I'd suggest it has skewed your view on that real economic situation faced by most Canadians is, therefore your view on what is 'well compensated' probably has no basis in reality (for 95% of the country anyway).
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It isnt. Especially not if thats a family income.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Makarov
Why do you think that private sector boards of directors choose to pay high salaries to their top executives?
Why do you think those same boards of directors are not concerned that they are screwed if their CEO is only working "for the money"?
For the record, I'm not advocating that the Premier should earn $5,000,000/year like many Canadian CEOs do (although I do think that, optics and petty populist politics aside, one could make a reasonable argument for that.) However, I don't think that Alberta's Premier is paid very well. The Premier earns significantly less than a Provincial Court judge, for instance. That's ludicrous.
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Because they're idiots.
Price defines quality and quality defines price? Its an illusion.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Slava
So if I take you to a restaurant and buy you dinner for business talks, I should just eat that cost out of pocket?
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No, I deduct that for you!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fire of the Phoenix
Because the only way to have a business meeting is at a restaurant, amirite? And you have to eat just then too, can't eat before and discuss things over a couple of drinks that you pay for yourself. There is just no other way to provide sustenance for your body AND talk business unless it's during a $200 meal that you didn't pay for.
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Woooo. I dont know what line of work you're in but that just wouldnt fly. I hate to sound like a dinosaur, but there are ways that things are done in business and if you think that deviating from the norm doesnt cost money then you're being mis-informed.
Quote:
Originally Posted by MoneyGuy
Actually, you do now, at least partially. Your restaurant meals are only half deductible, which is also unfair in my opinion.
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No it isnt, the regulations on business meals are fairly lenient as it is, I dont think much change is needed.