Tories find small cuts to reduce spending by $1B

[Devils'Advocate]

Funny. The conservatives here are saying that the government should decriminalize pot and this would mean that the private sector would more easily be able to do the drug research and therefore the Conservatives were right in cutting the research grants. Do you not see a problem with this logic? None at all?

[White Doors]

Eliminating the visitor rebate program, under which Revenue Canada refunds GST to foreign visitors, is the single largest program cut, saving $78.8 million.

Awesome!

[Lurch]

I think the government should legalize marijuana, but they should leave it to the private sector to do drug-testing.

By legalizing it, they get their hands completely away from where they shouldn't be.

True conservatism would support this.

Just a question for those that believe this is the right move for the gov't. How much testing is a drug company going to do on something is can't really make any money from? Basically, drug companies do research on patentable drugs - I doubt marijuana, no matter how effective, will ever be the subject of much private research.

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by White Doors

Awesome!

I always found that program insulting. I don't know of any other country I can visit that will reimburse me for the local sales tax.

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by Table 5

what a humanitarian you are. i hope you never a get a debilating disease in your lifetime, and then have someone random dude tell you that the one thing that might ease your pain shoudnt be researched any further because of his tax dollars. what about other drugs that get tested before they are let out on the market...should we just stop testing those as well?

The guy already said he supports de-crimialization, why get all bs-morale on him. If someone wants to use it, use it but dont expect my tax dollars to subsidize research into the field.

Governments should not be spending any tax dollars on negative cash-flow projects. And before you get all NDP on me, welfare and homeless shelters are positive cash flow projects from a citizenry point of view.

Also, its very liekly the only reason this "research" program was started in the first place was to apease right of centre concerns as to why should our health care fund this, if in 3 years they dont know if marj helps then it should be cut because its obviously a waste. If they found out it did help then the program should be cut cause its no longer needed.

MYK

[Lurch]

I always found that program insulting. I don't know of any other country I can visit that will reimburse me for the local sales tax.

Most every country in Europe I was in refunds its VAT to tourists, which is the equivalent to the GST.

[Sylvanfan]

Well considering my Mom and my Aunt who both have MS don't need to smoke pot to get relief I suspect most other people could do the same.

I know this is controversial, but as far as I'm concerned I believe it's more psychological than it is physical. If you grew up smoking the stuff than yeah, it probably makes you feel better regardless what ails you. So in that regard you can make limitless claims that smoking pot helps with migranes, or stress, or sexual dysfunction, herpes or probably anything out there.

[Agamemnon]

Originally Posted by Sylvanfan

Well considering my Mom and my Aunt who both have MS don't need to smoke pot to get relief I suspect most other people could do the same.

I know this is controversial, but as far as I'm concerned I believe it's more psychological than it is physical. If you grew up smoking the stuff than yeah, it probably makes you feel better regardless what ails you. So in that regard you can make limitless claims that smoking pot helps with migranes, or stress, or sexual dysfunction, herpes or probably anything out there.

I think some people prefer it as a 'natural' pain reliever, as opposed to taking several synthetic chemicals. The side effects of marijuana are slight paranoia and increased appetite. The side effects of many strong chemical pain-killers can be more... intrusive. Some people don't like the 'zombie' feeling they get from chemical pain killers. Just because your Mom doesn't use it doesn't mean its useless in the medical field.

Also, I don't think people are saying 'marijuana cures acne and makes you live longer', they're saying it is a great pain reliever. Its not some BS homeopathic medicine, its a legitimate 'drug'. I highly doubt the Leukemia patients who prefer using it are doing it because they like to get high; they do it because it does a great job of relieving pain and increasing appetite.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by Lurch

Just a question for those that believe this is the right move for the gov't. How much testing is a drug company going to do on something is can't really make any money from? Basically, drug companies do research on patentable drugs - I doubt marijuana, no matter how effective, will ever be the subject of much private research.

Private companies can still research it to try and find and artificialy replicate the effects that the natural substance provides. Thats what a lot of drug companies do with natural remedies.

[The Goon]

Originally Posted by fredr123

I always found that program insulting. I don't know of any other country I can visit that will reimburse me for the local sales tax.

You found it insulting to whom? Yourself? Or the tourists claiming it? It's a great idea which helps encourage shopping by tourists when in the country.

I've had the equivalent of the GST refunded to me in the UK, Ireland, and I think South Africa.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by The Goon

You found it insulting to whom? Yourself? Or the tourists claiming it? It's a great idea which helps encourage shopping by tourists when in the country.

I've had the equivalent of the GST refunded to me in the UK, Ireland, and I think South Africa.

It's the dumbest idea ever. People don't decide "hey I am going to Canada for my vacation because I get my GST back". It is one of the most abused programs ever by both the tourists and Canadians. If they are going to use all of our infrastructure then why shouldn't they pay their share of using it?

Let me tell you that people don't decide that they are going to buy more because they are going to get 6% GST back.

[The Goon]

Respectfully, I disagree. I have been with friends and family at the airport as they have amassed their receipts and gotten their GST back, which they subsequently spend inside the airport on items like those cheesy bottles of maple syrup. It's also mentioned in tourism material.

I don't know that tourists use all of our infrastructure, but as Canadians we are a welcoming people and tourism helps different aspects of our economy, and also allows us to show off our fantastic country.

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by The Goon

You found it insulting to whom? Yourself? Or the tourists claiming it? It's a great idea which helps encourage shopping by tourists when in the country.

I've had the equivalent of the GST refunded to me in the UK, Ireland, and I think South Africa.

I wasn't aware of those other countries' policies. Thanks for the info.

I found it insulting to me and every other Canadian who couldn't get their GST back. They used our goods and services and benefitted from our infrastructure and those same goods and services. Pay up like everyone else.

[Azure]

Originally Posted by Lurch

Just a question for those that believe this is the right move for the gov't. How much testing is a drug company going to do on something is can't really make any money from? Basically, drug companies do research on patentable drugs - I doubt marijuana, no matter how effective, will ever be the subject of much private research.

I assume you're saying they can't make money from it, because right now it is illegal.

Thats why I support legalizing it.

How much money does the US government 'waste' every year on the drug war?

[White Doors]

Originally Posted by The Goon

Respectfully, I disagree. I have been with friends and family at the airport as they have amassed their receipts and gotten their GST back, which they subsequently spend inside the airport on items like those cheesy bottles of maple syrup. It's also mentioned in tourism material.

I don't know that tourists use all of our infrastructure, but as Canadians we are a welcoming people and tourism helps different aspects of our economy, and also allows us to show off our fantastic country.

Wow, you must think Canada is a poor place to want to visit if the only way we can get tourists to come here it to give them a tax break. Why should Citizens have to pay it but tourists, not?
One of the dumbest rules ever.

[jolinar of malkshor]

Originally Posted by The Goon

Respectfully, I disagree. I have been with friends and family at the airport as they have amassed their receipts and gotten their GST back, which they subsequently spend inside the airport on items like those cheesy bottles of maple syrup. It's also mentioned in tourism material.

I don't know that tourists use all of our infrastructure, but as Canadians we are a welcoming people and tourism helps different aspects of our economy, and also allows us to show off our fantastic country.

I am not doubting that they didn't get their GST back. But, your telling me that they wouldn't have come to Canada if they didn't get their GST back? Or they wouldn't have purchased goods because they would get their GST back? Come on...it is not that much money per person (it is a lot of money when you add it all together). You would have to spend $1000 just to get 60 bucks back. And if they are getting it done at the airport then they get 14% of their return taken off for getting their money back right there instead of mailing in their claim.

[The Goon]

Originally Posted by White Doors

Wow, you must think Canada is a poor place to want to visit if the only way we can get tourists to come here it to give them a tax break. Why should Citizens have to pay it but tourists, not?
One of the dumbest rules ever.

No, I didn't say I thought Canada is a poor place to visit. Quite the opposite, actually. I love showing Calgary off to international visitors.

I explained the rationale behind why tourists are exempt, but I can understand why it is certainly not a high priority for the government to maintain.

[White Doors]

I'm sure they travelled on the highways whilst they were here?

[Lurch]

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lurch
Just a question for those that believe this is the right move for the gov't. How much testing is a drug company going to do on something is can't really make any money from? Basically, drug companies do research on patentable drugs - I doubt marijuana, no matter how effective, will ever be the subject of much private research.


I assume you're saying they can't make money from it, because right now it is illegal.

Thats why I support legalizing it.

How much money does the US government 'waste' every year on the drug war?

Not at all. I'm saying if marijuana is shown to be a great painkiller, who will spend money to find this out b/c if it turns out to be true, you can't patent a herb/weed. As such, there is little incentive for research with marijuana privately. It's kind of like research into the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables - how much of it is privately funded?

[Bleeding Red]

Tourists getting a rebate on the GST or VAT (value added tax as it is know in many overseas countries) is common. It is regularly advertised in the meeting and conference industry as one of the perks of holding an event in that locale.
It might not seem like a lot per person ($60 on $1000 spent) but when tourists learn that they get it back often they will spend more. Delegates not getting the GST back could mean the difference between an international conference coming to Canada or going to Ireland.
On a local note, it could be the difference between an Avs fan going to see a road game in CGY vs Minny - it is not much money, but you never know.

Also, don't forget tourists pay hotel taxes (2-3% extra per room per night) they don't get that back and that tax goes back to (I think) the municipality. And I am not sure but can a tourist get the GST back on items that have it built into the price - like gas for the rental, entrance to the museaum, Flames tix? Or wgere the total GST is less than $5?

Rebatting the GST is a small price to pay for the economic boost tourism gives an area. Sure, it won't make a difference to a tourist from Japan or Austraila, but those Americans, who come here multiple times, may think twice.

But aside from the GST and Mary Jane issue - did anyone know there was a seperate program to get Aboriginals to quit smoking? and they spend $10 million on it?!?! I guess if you can't tax them on it....

Also, Canadians are not only welcoming, but we are pretty gernerous with our time and money, so I cannot understand why the gov would spend $9 mil on a volunteer initiative program.