Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
The state of denial about the false economy this province has been operating under for 20 years is remarkable. When it comes to taxes and public services, Albertans are collectively like the 34 year old welder in Fort Mac who made 130k, had a 600k mortgage, a new truck every three years, two snowmobiles, a boat in Sicamouse, and trips to Mexico and Vegas every year. And thought this was perfectly normal and likely to last until he retired.
Party's over for the taxpayers in this province. We'll have to start funding the world class schools, roads, and health care we expect the same way everyone else in the world who isn't fortunate enough to enjoy billions in energy royalty subsidies does - through income and consumption taxes. The only way Alberta can remain a low-tax jurisdiction is for cuts to government services that would make the early Klein years look like Denmark. Good luck getting those kind of bone-deep cuts passed in a province with so many young families and soccer moms who vote.
Want tax rates like Alabama? Expect the public health care and education quality of Alabama.
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I don't completely agree with this though. People might live the high life when times are good, but they also cut back when they're not. The welder who was making $130k a couple years ago and took a couple trips probably isn't doing that anymore. I don't think its unreasonable to suggest that our government could do some similar things. The government doesn't get carte blanche regarding spending just because we are increasing taxes.
The other thing to consider is that most people realise that we need to pay more taxes and rely less on fossil fuels. That isn't an issue. Do we need to make that change at the bottom of the business cycle and make it that much more painful?