Canada remains a global outlier when it comes to providing tax relief for its citizens at a time of surging inflation.
According to a new report by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF), 51 other countries including many belonging to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), have introduced tax cuts to help assuage inflationary pressures.
“While Ottawa sticks Canadians with higher tax bills, other countries are doing the right thing and providing their citizens with much needed relief,” said CTF federal director Franco Terrazzano.
“Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should follow the lead of other nations and make life a little more affordable by cutting taxes for Canadians.”
The CTF report found that over half of G7 and G20 countries and a majority of OECD nations have provided some form of tax relief.
25 different governments cut taxes on gas, 18 axed consumption taxes, 15 have lowered energy taxes, 11 cut business taxes and eight nations have cut income taxes.
Unlike the federal government, provinces have taken tax relief into their own hands with Ontario, Alberta and Newfoundland and Labrador temporarily suspending fuel taxes.
On the other hand, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has hiked the carbon tax, taxes on alcohol and payroll taxes.
“Ending the tax hikes while Canadians struggle with the pandemic and inflation should have been a no-brainer,” explained Terrazzano.
“Trudeau could immediately make life more affordable by reducing his tax-take like so many other countries have done.”
Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has also called on the Liberals to immediately introduce tax relief for Canadians.
Yesterday, Poilievre demanded that Trudeau axe the carbon tax and cap government spending.
