This Sunday, June 8, is Tax Freedom Day, when Canadians finally start working for themselves

This year Tax Freedom Day falls on June 8. Tax Freedom Day measures the total yearly tax burden imposed on Canadian families by all levels of government: If you had to pay all your taxes up front, you’d give government every dollar you earned before June 8. This year, the average Canadian family (with two or more people) will pay $68,266 in total taxes, or 43.1 per cent of its annual income.

Alberta government needs to clarify purpose and process of new Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation

What the Heritage Fund Opportunities Corporation Can Learn from Sovereign Wealth Funds is a new study that outlines key lessons for the new Crown corporation, which was recently announced by the Alberta government. The study brings to light questions about the very need for the new entity given the current existence of a financial manager for the Heritage Fund. Crucially, the study also warns against using resource royalties—that belong to all Albertans—or any government revenues to engage in industrial policy by investing in or providing financing for favoured domestic industries and firms. Instead, the HFOC should focus on earning the highest-possible risk-adjusted financial returns from investments regardless of where the underlying assets are located.

Declining stature of foreign affairs minister underscores Canada’s waning influence on world stage

Defence spending under Jean Chretien and Paul Martin fell to about 1 per cent of GDP, where it largely remained under Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau.

Commentary and Blog Posts

Canada could help supply world’s growing demand for energy including oil and gas

(Appeared in the Toronto Sun) by Jock Finlayson

The absolute quantity of fossil fuels consumed by the world has risen by more than half since 1997.

Political brands have little to do with actual policies

(Appeared in the Hub) by Jake Fuss

Premier Ford has added a projected $105 billion in debt since taking office in Ontario.

Patriotic Millionaires concept of tax ‘fairness’ ignores tax facts in Canada

(Appeared in Juno News) by Jake Fuss and Tegan Hill

The bottom 20 per cent of income-earning families pay 2 per cent of total taxes while earning 5 per cent of total income.

Ontario government abandons any commitment to debt reduction

(Appeared in the Hamilton Spectator) by Ben Eisen

The province will run an eye-popping $14.6 billion operating deficit this year.

Don’t restrict ridesharing—and eliminate cap on taxi licences in Calgary

(Appeared in the Calgary Herald) by Jake Fuss and Austin Thompson

Restricted supply means higher prices, lower availability and worse service for Calgarians looking for a ride.

Large proposed income tax cuts killed in B.C. legislature

by Tegan Hill and Jake Fuss

Well-designed tax cuts could stimulate economic growth without a huge hit to the provincial budget.

Alberta government should reintroduce single income tax to drive economic growth

(Appeared in the Edmonton Sun) by Ben Eisen and Tegan Hill

At $75,000 in income, Albertans face the 9th-highest combined income tax rate in Canada and the United States.

Billions in new spending won’t fix Ontario’s broken health-care system

by Mackenzie Moir and Jake Fuss

Currently, more than half the money Ontario hospitals receive is in the form of a lump sum grant.

Health-care lessons from Switzerland for a Canada ready for reform

(Appeared in Financial Post) by Yanick Labrie

Switzerland achieves universal health coverage through a patient-centered model.

Federal government should cut red tape to spur economic growth

by Julio Mejía and Elmira Aliakbari

Business investment in Canada—measured on a per-worker basis—has plummeted by 33 per cent from 2014 to 2024.

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