Dear Editor,
The Fraser Institute calculates June 6 was Tax Freedom Day "when Canadians start working for themselves after paying off the total tax bill imposed on them by all levels of government."
There are biased word choices here. First, "working for themselves" implies up to this date we are not working for ourselves. Canadians do not get far into their day before using tax funded infrastructure or services; we drive on roads, students attend school, garbage is collected. Second, "imposed" implies we have no choice in the matter. We are given a choice with every election.
So, after Tax Freedom Day, we no longer invest in public infrastructure and services. Where then does our money go? Primarily to corporations that are purely profit motivated. The Fraser Institute suggests I celebrate the day I know that all the money I pay for gas at prices imposed by speculators will supply a few minutes of cruise time in some CEO's luxury yacht. This is not something worth commemorating.
As this is a democracy, next June you might choose to celebrate Tax Freedom Day. I'm thinking of a Tax Me Day. What if the Fraser Institute calculated how many more days of taxation would be needed for universal dental care, early learning programs or post secondary education? That would be worth celebrating.
Nancy Carswell
Shellbrook
