VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Property taxes, MSP fees and commuting costs top a list of your extra expenses in the Canadian Taxpayers Federation‘s annual report for 2013.
Jordan Bateman with the CTF fears this year’s new expenses could be the ‘tip of the iceberg’ and says it’s disappointing. “Inflation is about 1.3 percent this year and governments that say they’re trying to keep their increases targeted at that…well, they’re failing miserably. BC Hydro we’re looking at an almost a 4 percent increase. TransLink fares are going up 10 percent.”
The report also points out half-price Port Mann tolls will end in March and regional property taxes keep going up.
The CTF also says Medical Services Plan premiums have incresed, going from $128 per month for a family to $133 a month. Bateman says this is a 24 per cent increase over the past three years.
The federal government is also going to take more in Employment Insurance premiums. British Columbians earning at least $47,400 will pay $51.50 more in EI next year.
As for the Canadian Pension Plan, anyone earning over $51,100 will pay $49.50 more in contributions in 2013.
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I thought when you work out, your wallet gets stronger and bulkier.
Why are no politicians running on behalf of the taxpayer. I would only support any fed, prov, or municip. politician who promises to freeze spending or cut services. Taxpayers are tapped out and governments need to live within existing funding, and even consider rolling back some taxes.
Is there anyone who can afford to give to charity anymore?
Charity….that’s a fairy tale
@ay you and BCer keep drinking that BC Lying Liberal Kool-Aid
Municipal spending is out of control. There is no accountability- no incentive for city hall bureaucrats to keep spending down. Raising taxes is too easy. With tough economic times Vancouver should be prioritizing projects- seismic upgrading for the Granville Bridge ($5 million capital expenditure) vs the $5 million for the new bike lane to Stanley Park. The bike lane was not called a capital expenditure. So- does that me we are borrowing the money for the bridge but using taxes for the bike lane?
They are considering providing free city services for two parades at the cost of millions because two others have that privilege. We should pay for the Remembrance Day Parade but the rest will find private sponsors as they have in the past.
Remember that Trickie Dix promised to ruin B.C.’s economy if he gets in. Remember how you feel now. It will be 1000x worse then.