Knowledge Bureau Poll: Tax Cut Doesn’t Cut It!

The Notice of Ways and Means Motion was released on May 27, but the 1% tax rate cut going into effect on July 1, didn’t cut it with Knowledge Bureau Report readers.   A decisive 90% of respondents said “No” when asked: does the new government’s promise to cut the lowest personal income tax rate by 1% to 14%, (14.5% in 2025) go far enough to help Canadians impacted by high costs?  Here were their comments and suggested alternatives based on real life experiences with the after-tax income their struggling clients are left with:

Michael and Jessica are a young couple living in their condo in Vancouver.  How will the budget affect them?

Matthew and Ashley live in Winnipeg. They have two children, ages 3 and 5.  They own their own home. 

Brian and Patricia retired a few years ago.  Brian is 74 and Patricia is 72.  The couple live in Halifax, NS and have RRIF balances of $300,000 and $400,000 respectively.

Robert and Jackie are contemplating retirement.  Robert is 65, earns $55,000 from employment and also receives a $24,000 pension.

Glen is single, age 55.  He lives alone in a rental apartment in Hamilton, Ontario.  His current salary is $55,000.  His rent is $1,000/month.

Now that the date of the Federal Budget has been announced, Tuesday April 21, and the Minister has met with learned private-sector economists, who confirmed the March private-sector forecasts will do in interpreting plans for the near future, there is much speculation on what the budget will announce and for whom