When we get ratio based funding the smaller centres usually end up applying ‘patches’ rather than replacements; and we are in need of many a replacement in Southern Alberta.

What was the personal exemption rate at before the changes were announced?

$8,929. Keep in mind, however, that prior to the Tories taking power, the exemption rate was around 9,300. So the $700 increase is really an increase of just $300, less than the $500 increase the Liberals implemented before losing power.

if they keep it up, maybe it will eventually go away

They won’t keep it up anytime soon. Harper’s campaign promise was for 2 percent over 2 years. He has no plans for any further GST cuts. Even so, it’s a terrible source of tax cutting. Close to 3/4 of my net income goes to goods and services not taxed with GST.

GST tax cuts require people to purchase goods and services taxed by GST if they want to benefit from it. Income tax cuts on the other hand put money into the hands of all employed persons in the country before they even receive their paycheques. That’s the way to put money in the back pockets of Canadians.

The GST is a wash for me – until the whole thing is done away with, it continues to be pointless to discuss decreases in it. The majority of downside, from my point of view, is the immense amount of extra man-hours put into dealing with, adjudication of, and enforcement of the GST. Make it go away, and you’ll have my attention.

I too agree with Kim in the opinion that targeted tax cuts would stimulate particular businesses and a flat rate reduction is less than optimal. I hate to think that someone like Barbardier is receiving the same tax cut as some business who really needs it.

Overall, I felt like the speech was in the right direction although I didn’t necessarily agree with every choice made. I’m sure many felt the same way.