I know little about taxes but I just want to say something. I believe compared to the US, Canada has higher taxes, yet it comes with benefits. We have public medicare, old age pension, Canada pension, unemployment insurance, welfare, equilization, etc... many of these are abused, yet they are a neccesity. Look at equilization (for those who never heard of the term, it is when the gov. holds back a certain percentage of a province's taxes, and gives it to another, needy province) Ontario, BC, and Alberta pay into, and the money goes to the rest of the provinces. 30% of the NB budget is dependant on that. If NB did not receive it it would be 10 times poorer tthan it is now.

Personally IE (unemployement inssurrance, there's another name that makes sense with the "ie" but I forget what it is) is what helps my family. My parents are both seasonal workers, and withdraw ie during the winter, without that it would be hard to live through the winter.

Public Medicare. Any necessary surgery, we do not pay for. So when you need a triple bipass, or just going in for a check-up, no cost. The negative side is that many people who have a just a common flu or cold will use go to the hospital, when there is no need.

If you sincerely ask many Canadian if they want less taxe (meaning less social programs) or like having slightly higher taxes, they will most likely be content with their current taxes, seeing the benefits given from them.

That basically all I have to say. I am happy with the taxes here, cuz really that is what makes Canada wondwerful, our social services.