Provincial tax system should be reformed

Times Colonist
February 7, 2013

Re: “MSP premiums should be axed,” editorial, Feb. 1.

The proposal of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives to incorporate the Medical Services Plan fee into a more progressive provincial income tax system should be supported.

In addition to the administrative savings and the elimination of double taxation, the opportunity to create new tax brackets for high income earners would reverse the regressive trend of the provincial tax and fee changes during the last decade. The resulting revenue could greatly assist the government in meeting pressing social and development needs, and help to pay down the provincial debt.

A more balanced tax system would also provide more after-tax income for those at lower income levels and would likely stimulate the economy. As noted in the editorial, our economy needs a renewal.

Let us hope the major political parties are willing to incorporate tax reform in their election platforms and have a responsible discussion of this important issue.

Richard McCandless

Saanich