By: Ish Theilheimer and the Straight Goods team
Recently, the Business Council on National Issues (BCNI) called on the federal government to continue cutting taxes on corporations and upper income earners, and to slash regional development spending and programs for the poor.
Lest anyone think the leaders of Canada's biggest corporations were promoting this program out of self-interest or (dare we say it?) greed, the BCNI pointed out that it is taking this stand for the good of the country. Forget what everyone else says about economic recovery. The BCNI informs us that social spending and high taxes are driving Canada towards economic meltdown - threatening our living standards - and only its bitter medicine can help.
In other words, Canadians should adopt the tougher economic policies that exist in the United States, in order to enjoy the more prosperous life available south of the border.
Recently, however, Straight Goods published a wide-ranging series of comparisons indicating that, by most measures, average Canadians were doing better economically than their American counterparts.
And so, as our contribution to the discussion over tax cut envy - as well as to help with the education of Canada's top CEOs - we offer an encore presentation of our series The Greener Grass.
The series, which was put together by publisher Ish Theilheimer with the help of volunteer researchers from across both countries, sought to examine the question: Where's the grass greener? The team looked at a number of different pieces of the cost of living puzzle, including grocery prices, entertainment, restaurants, taxes, income, housing, drugs, appliances and found that, although some items are indeed considerably less expensive in the United States, Canadians have a better deal overall. But don't take my word for it. Read the articles, and judge for yourself.
In search of greener grass - Introduction
Canada and US grocery prices - Where's the grass greener?
Brain Drain - nonsense - by Murray Dobbin
Is the grass greener? - Many Canadians spend less for entertainment
CDN prices at US restaurants? - stick to McD's
Tax grass greener in Canada - but for how long?
After tax income - most Canadians come out on top - by Marc Lee
Housing costs lower in much of Canada than in U.S.
Drug costs much lower in Canada than in U.S.
When it comes to consumer applicances, the grass is greener in the United States
Green grass wrap-up: the grass is greener in Canada for average families - for now
The Greener Grass debate:
- Readers tell their personal stories
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