According to a new poll released
Tuesday, Canadians are willing to pay more taxes to help close the growing
income gap and want corporations to pay higher tax rates too. The survey of
2,000 Canadians, commissioned by the left-leaning Broadbent Institute, found
that 23 per cent are "very willing" and 41 per cent are
"somewhat willing" to pay slightly more tax in order to protect
social programs such as health care, post-secondary education and pensions. A
majority of Canadians – even wealthy ones – are behind the idea of raising
income taxes on people who earn more than $250,000 and more than
$500,000. The poll found 83 per cent are in favor of that idea.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s Conservative government has steadily lowered
the rates since taking office in 2006, arguing the tax breaks help corporations
create more jobs. The NDP and Liberals are opposed to the lower rates, saying
they haven’t helped create new jobs and that corporations are just sitting on
higher profits. The poll results go against Conservative mythology, said
Broadbent, speaking to Evan Solomon, host of CBC-TV's Power & Politics.
"It shows that Canadians are way ahead of their politicians… 64 per cent
of Canadians say they themselves are prepared to pay more taxes. Not just the
rich, not just corporations," Broadbent said. The survey showed
that 77 per cent of respondents agree that widening income gaps are a big
problem for Canada that will have long-term consequences and 71 per cent agreed
that income inequality undermines Canadian values.
I have
to agree that the majority of Canadians are actually on to something here. I
feel that it is only logical for the richer to pay more taxes, considering the
income gaps. When reducing debt in an economy, you must first remember that
your middle class is where the answer lies. The key to a successful economy is
a “booming” middle class. Canada is, in many ways, a lot like America; they
have a democracy. Therefore, I believe that if the majority if the people
(including some of the rich), think taxes should be raised for those earning
more than $250,000 annually; there should be action taking place. I don’t see
why taxes are the same for all people on the first place. I believe that a certain
percentage should be taken out based on your income and there should be no “loop
holes” for the rich.
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