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Recent polling by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) reveals a significant disconnect between the priorities of the federal government and the desires of the Canadian populace. The Leger poll results indicate that 54% of Canadians favor cutting government spending over increasing capital gains taxes to reduce the deficit. This figure, when adjusted to exclude those without an opinion, swells to over 70%. These numbers should serve as a stark wake-up call to the Trudeau government and elected officials across all levels of government. Canadians are increasingly frustrated by what they perceive as reckless financial management by those in power, particularly when juxtaposed against the backdrop of city councillors and Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) receiving salary increases and expanded expense accounts.
Franco Terrazzano, the Federal Director of the CTF, emphasized this point succinctly: “The poll results are clear: a solid majority of Canadians want the government to cut spending instead of hiking capital gains taxes.” The public sentiment is evident; Canadians are struggling to make ends meet while their elected representatives continue to enjoy financial perks. This disparity raises a critical question: how do we address the apparent fiscal irresponsibility of our elected officials?
The late Warren Buffet once offered a radical yet insightful solution to fiscal irresponsibility in government: “I could end the deficit in five minutes,” he said in 2011. “You just pass a law that says that any time there's a deficit of more than 3% of GDP, all sitting members of Congress are ineligible for re-election.” Buffet’s idea underscores a fundamental issue in our political system—the lack of accountability for those in power. Too often, we re-elect the same individuals who lack the necessary business acumen and instead act more as activists or spokespeople than as leaders. This problem is exacerbated at the municipal level, where city councillors can run term after term, often unopposed.
I mean, at some point, politicians have to stop asking who should pay more taxes and focus on where all of our money is actually going.
In examining our current city council, it is evident that many have held their positions for multiple terms, some even into their fourth or fifth. This lack of turnover can lead to stagnation and resistance to change. As someone who has experienced the inner workings of municipal government, I can attest to the challenges faced by those who attempt to introduce accountability. Colleagues often blacklist these individuals, as the status quo is easier to maintain than facing the hard truths of fiscal responsibility.
I recall a conversation with a fellow councillor who questioned why I came to work every day, suggesting that my diligence made others look bad. Another, who shall remain nameless, advised that I should go along with the flow for the first two years to secure a place in the mayor’s inner circle, implying that fighting for change was counterproductive to personal advancement. This culture of complacency is detrimental to effective governance and financial stewardship.
The solution to this pervasive issue lies with the electorate. We must become more engaged in the political process and elect leaders who possess genuine experience in running organizations, individuals who would be suitable to manage a company or lead as a manager. It is crucial to support candidates who are willing to challenge the system and advocate for necessary reforms. If a professional fails to deliver on key promises to their employer, they would likely lose their job. The same standard should apply to politicians.
Real change starts at the top. As a former CEO, I understood the importance of initiating change from the leadership level. It is incumbent upon us to demand better from our elected officials and hold them accountable for their actions. We must reject the notion that political office is a career without consequence and insist that our representatives prioritize the financial well-being of their constituents over their personal gain.
The CTF’s Leger poll findings reflect a broader dissatisfaction with government spending. Canadians are calling for a reduction in spending rather than increased taxes, a sentiment that our elected officials must heed. To achieve this, we need to elect leaders with the experience and integrity to responsibly manage public funds and advocate for systemic changes that promote accountability and fiscal prudence. The future of our financial health depends on our collective commitment to electing the right people and demanding the accountability that is so desperately needed.