Hahaha says the person who’s a complete and total drain on Canadian society. You should be thanking me as someone who’s paid more than 2 million dollars in federal and provincial income tax over the past 35 years so you can sit around and smoke drugs every day.
You’re trying to compare 30-35 years ago, to today, in my case, it is a very different country now. I don’t live in the U.S. full time fyi, despite what bullish!t I might spew on here to y’all, my personal business is none of yours unless I choose to share it with you. Asking how I can fix it, LOL, that’s commendable on your part, and complete BS, but nice try. Fixing things is an ongoing and ever-changing process, but there are serious issues that we as a country have never seen before. It’s worrisome.
You can stick your head in the sand and enjoy your privileged life, I assume you worked hard for it, but the country is not in a good spot for future generations. My kids and grandkids being in the category. If the average blue collar Canadian could fix the things that are ailing the country, there’s enough passion from within that that would be happening. But they cant. All we can do is vote, but even that’s not helping as we’re currently being held hostage by our own federal government.
Cities, where most Canadians live and predominantly vote Liberal, are waking up to the realities of their decisions, thankfully. I will cast a single vote in the next federal election to try and make changes. - Pacificgem
Grassroots - A grassroots Organisation/Movement is one that uses the people in a given district, region or community as the basis for a political or economic movement. Grassroots movements and organizations use collective action from the local level to implement change at the local, regional, national, or international levels.
If you are passionate about it, you can do more than just vote.
And can you elaborate on these "serious issues that we as a country have never seen before"? I'm so curious...
Grassroots - A grassroots Organisation/Movement is one that uses the people in a given district, region or community as the basis for a political or economic movement. Grassroots movements and organizations use collective action from the local level to implement change at the local, regional, national, or international levels.
If you are passionate about it, you can do more than just vote.
And can you elaborate on these "serious issues that we as a country have never seen before"? I'm so curious... - bloatedmosquito
You're looking at it from your perspective, not mine. That doesn't work. I vote, I pay my taxes, I'm involved in my community. I do my share. That's all you need to know.
And don't lie, you're not really curious, you know holistically what's going on in the country and the industrialized world. You're just being disingenuous.
You're looking at it from your perspective, not mine. That doesn't work. I vote, I pay my taxes, I'm involved in my community. I do my share. That's all you need to know.
And don't lie, you're not really curious, you know holistically what's going on in the country and the industrialized world. You're just being disingenuous. - Pacificgem
I'm curious to know what you see as issues, especially ones we've never seen before.
I'll start with what I see as Canadian issues:
1. Oversized government (hardly something we haven't seen before)
2. Over Taxed (hardly something we haven't seen before)
3. Lack of Education Resources (hardly something we haven't seen before)
4. Lack of Timely Access to Healthcare (hardly something we haven't seen before)
5. Low, Declining, and Aging Population (hardly something we haven't seen before)
"Government business has been put on indefinite pause in the House of Commons and the Conservatives say it will stay that way until the Liberals hand over documents related to misspent government dollars."
I'm curious to know what you see as issues, especially ones we've never seen before.
I'll start with what I see as Canadian issues:
1. Oversized government (hardly something we haven't seen before)
2. Over Taxed (hardly something we haven't seen before)
3. Lack of Education Resources (hardly something we haven't seen before)
4. Lack of Timely Access to Healthcare (hardly something we haven't seen before)
5. Low, Declining, and Aging Population (hardly something we haven't seen before)
Nothing in my list is new or impossible to fix.
Now, what's yours? - bloatedmosquito
I know this is in England, but the cost of living at present in Canada is ridiculous for 80% of the population. The current taxation levels are not sustainable. This in a nutshell. But I have more.
I'm curious to know what you see as issues, especially ones we've never seen before.
I'll start with what I see as Canadian issues:
1. Oversized government (hardly something we haven't seen before)
2. Over Taxed (hardly something we haven't seen before)
3. Lack of Education Resources (hardly something we haven't seen before)
4. Lack of Timely Access to Healthcare (hardly something we haven't seen before)
5. Low, Declining, and Aging Population (hardly something we haven't seen before)
Nothing in my list is new or impossible to fix.
Now, what's yours? - bloatedmosquito
1) The biggest elephant in the room is healthcare, since the birth of the Medical Care Act in 1966 never before have we seen the Canadian healthcare system in such a poor state. Strain on the medical care workers, closing of emergency rooms, lack of access to a family doctor, medical waiting times have become a national crisis in Canada, and continue to worsen.
2) Mass immigration and the spin-off effects from it that are affecting the country. There’s an obvious connection between the meteoric rise in temporary foreign workers/international students and increasing youth unemployment. Currently, annual immigration in Canada amounts to almost 500,000 new immigrants, which is one of the highest rates per population of any country in the world. "As of 2023, there were more than eight million immigrants with permanent residence living in Canada - roughly 20 percent of the total Canadian population."
3) The Canadian economy, Canada is no longer one of the wealthiest nations on earth, due to current federal policies. The economy is still growing overall, but at a disappointing rate relative to population growth. Relative to other countries, we're getting collectively poorer, and we shouldn't be. Household debt in Canada is now the highest of any G7 country, according to data by the country's housing agency. Our national debt is the highest it's ever been, it's actually slightly lower than mid pandemic March 2022, but just barely lower. It's an issue for future generations.
4) Affordable housing, "Canada's housing market is among the most unaffordable, with one of the highest house-price-to-income ratios among OECD member states. Housing prices soared over 355 per cent between 2000 and 2021, while median nominal income increased by only 113 per cent."
"Neoliberal housing policies foster landlordism. Across British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, one in five residential properties are used as investments rather than primary residences."
5) Taxation levels, all present and future personal taxes, not just income tax, post WWII have never been higher when you compare current taxation to income levels and GDP.
1) The biggest elephant in the room is healthcare, since the birth of the Medical Care Act in 1966 never before have we seen the Canadian healthcare system in such a poor state. Strain on the medical care workers, closing of emergency rooms, lack of access to a family doctor, medical waiting times have become a national crisis in Canada, and continue to worsen.
2) Mass immigration and the spin-off effects from it that are affecting the country. There’s an obvious connection between the meteoric rise in temporary foreign workers/international students and increasing youth unemployment. Currently, annual immigration in Canada amounts to almost 500,000 new immigrants, which is one of the highest rates per population of any country in the world. "As of 2023, there were more than eight million immigrants with permanent residence living in Canada - roughly 20 percent of the total Canadian population."
3) The Canadian economy, Canada is no longer one of the wealthiest nations on earth, due to current federal policies. The economy is still growing overall, but at a disappointing rate relative to population growth. Relative to other countries, we're getting collectively poorer, and we shouldn't be. Household debt in Canada is now the highest of any G7 country, according to data by the country's housing agency. Our national debt is the highest it's ever been, it's actually slightly lower than mid pandemic March 2022, but just barely lower. It's an issue for future generations.
4) Affordable housing, "Canada's housing market is among the most unaffordable, with one of the highest house-price-to-income ratios among OECD member states. Housing prices soared over 355 per cent between 2000 and 2021, while median nominal income increased by only 113 per cent."
"Neoliberal housing policies foster landlordism. Across British Columbia, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, one in five residential properties are used as investments rather than primary residences."
5) Taxation levels, all present and future personal taxes, not just income tax, post WWII have never been higher when you compare current taxation to income levels and GDP.
1. Healthcare is a provincial responsibility and Providences have done a poopty job managing it. What do you want the Feds to do to improve it?
2. Mass immigration is an issue but happening because we have a declining population. No population means no taxes being paid. That's a problem. Is it the Feds responsibility to force Canadian's to have more children?
3. Household debt can be a double-edged sword. How many people do you know who live way above their means? I know tons like that. And as far as the economy goes what are the factor's slowing the economy? Canada’s economy is slowing due to reduced consumer spending and higher-than-expected mortgage rates. Again, tied back to household debt. Canada's average mortgage rates is the same in UK, Europe, and the US. The cost of lending money is more to do with international issue than domestic.
4. Affordable housing is a Municipal/Provincial issue, not Federal. Interest rates are typical so no issue there. In a Capitalist society, it's all about supply and demand. Are you suggesting a more Socialist approach to providing housing to everyone? You want more government involvement?
5. Taxes. You take is pure BS. During Canada's high growth years between 1940 and 1980, the top marginal income tax rate was well over 70%. However, in recent years the federal government's top marginal income tax rate (on labour income over $138,586) has been stuck at 26% - 29%. Here's the 2024vTax chart for your knowledge:
$53,359 or less is 15%
$53,359 to $106,717 is 20.5%
$106,717 to $165,430 is 26%
$165,430 to $235,675 is 29%
$235,675+ is 33%
Believing that your 1 vote in a two party revolving door system will change things when neither party is willing to make any significant positive changes that may slow down the elites rapidly rising drain on society is like believing in Santa and the Tooth Ferry when you are an adult.
Huge explosions after Israel’s first ever strike on a Russian air base in Syria
Israeli hit a weapons depot at the Khmeimim Air Base moments after an Iranian plane unloaded weapons for Hezbollah
Russian air defenses were activated but failed to intercept the missiles. - Pacificgem
I wish people could see just how hard Israel has been trying to drag the world into total war.
All along it's been Israel who has been attacking the Iranians directly. Assassinating leadership, striking embassies, striking their forces with jet fighters while they are on the ground engaged in combat with ISIS in Syria... basically giving ISIS air support. It doesn't end there... far from it. Israel's justification.... Iran is supporting the Palestinians who are being abused like no other people on this planet. A classic genocide in progress.
Bibby is now requesting that USA strike Iran's nuclear plants. Biden's admin says they will not. Trump on the other hand? I don't know. Maybe... I mean, he pushed back on the Pentagon when they wanted him to okay strikes on anti air sites in Iran over a drone that was shot down. Trump refused when the estimations of KIA would have been 100+ over an unmanned observation drone.... but on the other hand, he's the best friend the Zionists ever had. His foreign policy is more or less "Israel First". The language he uses about the Palestinians is disgusting. He literally talks about the evil Palestinians rather than addressing the conflict as "Hamas" and other elements. Clearly Hamas is a product of what's happening to those people... not because they are evil people. I mean, ask yourself... what came first.... mass displacement and murder of these people, or Hamas? Disgusting.
1. Healthcare is a provincial responsibility and Providences have done a poopty job managing it. What do you want the Feds to do to improve it?
2. Mass immigration is an issue but happening because we have a declining population. No population means no taxes being paid. That's a problem. Is it the Feds responsibility to force Canadian's to have more children?
3. Household debt can be a double-edged sword. How many people do you know who live way above their means? I know tons like that. And as far as the economy goes what are the factor's slowing the economy? Canada’s economy is slowing due to reduced consumer spending and higher-than-expected mortgage rates. Again, tied back to household debt. Canada's average mortgage rates is the same in UK, Europe, and the US. The cost of lending money is more to do with international issue than domestic.
4. Affordable housing is a Municipal/Provincial issue, not Federal. Interest rates are typical so no issue there. In a Capitalist society, it's all about supply and demand. Are you suggesting a more Socialist approach to providing housing to everyone? You want more government involvement?
5. Taxes. You take is pure BS. During Canada's high growth years between 1940 and 1980, the top marginal income tax rate was well over 70%. However, in recent years the federal government's top marginal income tax rate (on labour income over $138,586) has been stuck at 26% - 29%. Here's the 2024vTax chart for your knowledge:
$53,359 or less is 15%
$53,359 to $106,717 is 20.5%
$106,717 to $165,430 is 26%
$165,430 to $235,675 is 29%
$235,675+ is 33% - bloatedmosquito
As I suspected, you just live in your self-created bubble and carry on with your privileged life. You have no solutions because you think it isn’t really that bad, therefore you don’t try to make a difference, as you called it. I believe there are pressing issues, you don’t, I’m good with that.
As I suspected, you just live in your self-created bubble and carry on with your privileged life. You have no solutions because you think it isn’t really that bad, therefore you don’t try to make a difference, as you called it. I believe there are pressing issues, you don’t, I’m good with that. - Pacificgem
Ok sure, if that's what you got from our conversation. I'm just so sick and tired of some loud, whiny Canadian's saying "my life sucks and it's all Justin's fault".
Justin sucks. He's got to go. But the same can be said for any Prime Minister. They always overstay their welcome.
I am privileged, I am Canadian. I'm not going to sit here and bitch and moan about how hard my life is and how broken Canada is while others in the world are experiencing bombs being dropped on their head or governments stripping their citizens of true freedoms.
Canada is a socialist country (as most Western nations are including the US). It will always have issues and never be perfect.
As I suspected, you just live in your self-created bubble and carry on with your privileged life. You have no solutions because you think it isn’t really that bad, therefore you don’t try to make a difference, as you called it. I believe there are pressing issues, you don’t, I’m good with that. - Pacificgem
That is society here as a whole as you seem to be aware of.
I get in conversations with people about this and they truly believe that(in bold) because we have more freedoms than Russia, China etc... yes this is true of course. But what they don't seem to understand is that we can lose most of it and still put up that argument. If that is the bar they set the standard at... we are fkd.
I sometimes get comments from ignorant sheep about "if you don't like it, move to Russia/China". Really? Why isnt improving or significant positive change a option? Lemmings off a cliff... I swear.
Ok sure, if that's what you got from our conversation. I'm just so sick and tired of some loud, whiny Canadian's saying "my life sucks and it's all Justin's fault".
Justin sucks. He's got to go. But the same can be said for any Prime Minister. They always overstay their welcome.
I am privileged, I am Canadian. I'm not going to sit here and bitch and moan about how hard my life is and how broken Canada is while others in the world are experiencing bombs being dropped on their head or governments stripping their citizens of true freedoms.
Canada is a socialist country (as most Western nations are including the US). It will always have issues and never be perfect. - bloatedmosquito
First off, no one is bemoaning their lot in life in here, specifically me, I've done very well in life, but no one handed it to me. That doesn't take away from the fact I believe there are pressing issues in the country. I'm thinking more about my kids, and their kids, and their 20 and 30 year old friends, and their kids, my siblings, my parents, etc. You're not privileged simply because you're Canadian, you're privileged because you grew up in a different time, you took advantage of the things that were afforded you and I assume you worked hard. If simply being a Canadian meant you were privileged there wouldn't be record numbers of Canadians visiting food banks like there is now.
Secondly your comments on my issues with taxation are also incorrect, you just defaulted directly to income tax when I specifically said I wasn't talking purely about income tax, I pointed at taxation as a whole. Meaning the tax on your groceries and clothing, the tax on your fuel, the tax on the gas & power you heat your home with, the tax on your alcohol, carbon tax...tax tax tax...it's never been higher and the Liberals are about to raise it even higher.
Ok sure, if that's what you got from our conversation. I'm just so sick and tired of some loud, whiny Canadian's saying "my life sucks and it's all Justin's fault".
Justin sucks. He's got to go. But the same can be said for any Prime Minister. They always overstay their welcome.
I am privileged, I am Canadian. I'm not going to sit here and bitch and moan about how hard my life is and how broken Canada is while others in the world are experiencing bombs being dropped on their head or governments stripping their citizens of true freedoms.
Canada is a socialist country (as most Western nations are including the US). It will always have issues and never be perfect. - bloatedmosquito
Most people don't even realize just how many rights and freedoms they are losing in the west. It's way worse than slippery slope presently... Every year our press becomes more and more suppressed. It's corporate media narrative or bust on everything and the people gaining the most from it are the same people who own the media... literally.. The smaller outlets who don't tow the line get pushed to the fringe and are labelled conspiracy theorists. The journalists who blow the lid off of their corruption now get thrown in jail without charges or a trial(like Assange). The one's blowing the whistle on mass government corruption and war crimes no longer have protection. They have to run for their lives now(Snowden) or they get thrown in jail(like Chelsea Manning).
Meanwhile, we're rapidly being censored to death individually as well. Look at Canada and western Europe with laws passed protecting the Zionist occupation in Palestinian territories. If you join a organized boycott of Israeli products manufactured in the occupied territories or ownership based there... you are committing a hate crime. It's a passed bill. Same with the EU. WTF? This is insane... it's the most peaceful effective way to protest... race/religion is not the target... but you can go to jail for it. Meanwhile JT stands up with his(insincere) outrage about Gaza.... but his people are criminals if they boycott. A case of politicians tearing down your right to protest at the requests/threats of a foreign lobby. You really can't keep track of how fast we are losing this high standard that we as a culture are always bragging about. So few are concerned... something that has happened so many times in history.
I wish people could see just how hard Israel has been trying to drag the world into total war.
All along it's been Israel who has been attacking the Iranians directly. Assassinating leadership, striking embassies, striking their forces with jet fighters while they are on the ground engaged in combat with ISIS in Syria... basically giving ISIS air support. It doesn't end there... far from it. Israel's justification.... Iran is supporting the Palestinians who are being abused like no other people on this planet. A classic genocide in progress.
Bibby is now requesting that USA strike Iran's nuclear plants. Biden's admin says they will not. Trump on the other hand? I don't know. Maybe... I mean, he pushed back on the Pentagon when they wanted him to okay strikes on anti air sites in Iran over a drone that was shot down. Trump refused when the estimations of KIA would have been 100+ over an unmanned observation drone.... but on the other hand, he's the best friend the Zionists ever had. His foreign policy is more or less "Israel First". The language he uses about the Palestinians is disgusting. He literally talks about the evil Palestinians rather than addressing the conflict as "Hamas" and other elements. Clearly Hamas is a product of what's happening to those people... not because they are evil people. I mean, ask yourself... what came first.... mass displacement and murder of these people, or Hamas? Disgusting. - boonerbuck
I agree that Israel is looking for war. They have been trying to eliminate Palestinians for a very long time. But please, you make it sound like the "Palestinians" are somehow absolved from any wrong doing themselves. That's a bit naive.
What about Black September?
What about the Palestinian insurgency in South Lebanon?
What about the Sadat assassination?
How about the four civil wars in Gaza between Fatah and Hamas?
Palestinians have a complicated history throughout the region. Not all conflict in the region involves Israel. There's a reason why there is little sympathy for the Palestinian cause throughout the Arab world. They have burned many bridges (pun intended) through their own actions outside of their conflict with Israel.
Saying that, Israel's gone all in on their Dahiya Doctrine in regards to Gaza, and I don't think anyone is going to stop them.
First off, no one is bemoaning their lot in life in here, specifically me, I've done very well in life, but no one handed it to me. That doesn't take away from the fact I believe there are pressing issues in the country. I'm thinking more about my kids, and their kids, and their 20 and 30 year old friends, and their kids, my siblings, my parents, etc. You're not privileged simply because you're Canadian, you're privileged because you grew up in a different time, you took advantage of the things that were afforded you and I assume you worked hard. If simply being a Canadian meant you were privileged there wouldn't be record numbers of Canadians visiting food banks like there is now.
Secondly your comments on my issues with taxation are also incorrect, you just defaulted directly to income tax when I specifically said I wasn't talking purely about income tax, I pointed at taxation as a whole. Meaning the tax on your groceries and clothing, the tax on your fuel, the tax on the gas you heat your home with, the tax on your alcohol, carbon tax...tax tax tax...it's never been higher and the Liberals are about to raise it even higher.
- Pacificgem
I think my biggest issue with Canadian taxes is "tax-to-GDP ratio". The Canadian government has forgot how to make money outside of taxation. A good example is Norway.
Norway's tax-to-GDP ratio is ranked 2nd out of 38 OECD countries with a ratio of 44.3%.
The OECD average of 34.0%.
Canada is ranked 23rd out of 38 with a tax-to-GDP ratio of 33.2%. Our governments rely way too much on tax revenue. If they can ween themselves off of the tax-nipple then we may see an even higher standard of living in Canada if it's even possible.
I think my biggest issue with Canadian taxes is "tax-to-GDP ratio". The Canadian government has forgot how to make money outside of taxation. A good example is Norway.
Norway's tax-to-GDP ratio is ranked 2nd out of 38 OECD countries with a ratio of 44.3%.
The OECD average of 34.0%.
Canada is ranked 23rd out of 38 with a tax-to-GDP ratio of 33.2%. Our governments rely way too much on tax revenue. If they can ween themselves off of the tax-nipple then we may see an even higher standard of living in Canada if it's even possible. - bloatedmosquito
The current government hasn't forgotten how to generate revenue, they just choose not to because it doesn't support their agenda driven policies. Specifically climate change. With the amount of natural resources Canada has, they should be the wealthiest nation on earth per capita. They don't care what's best for Canadians, they are pushing their agenda come hell or high water.
Again, you can stick your head in the sand all you want because your life and and your immediate families lives are good, but your life doesn't reflect the lives of millions of other Canadians. And that's concerning to me.
Wait until your kids go to post secondary, enter the workforce, try to purchase high-ticket items like vehicles and homes, they'll be living check to check and you'll see things differently...especially when they're 35 years old and still living at home.
The current government hasn't forgotten how to generate revenue, they just choose not to because it doesn't support their agenda driven policies. Specifically climate change. With the amount of natural resources Canada should be the wealthiest nation on earth per capita. They don't care what's best for Canadians, they are pushing their agenda come hell or high water.
Again, you can stick your head in the sand all you want because your life and and your immediate families lives are good, but your life doesn't reflect the lives of millions of other Canadians. And that's concerning to me.
Wait until your kids go to post secondary, enter the workforce, try to purchase high-ticket items like vehicles and homes, they'll be living check to check and you'll see things differently...especially when they're 35 years old and still living at home. - Pacificgem
Concerns you? How can you write this drivel while this... Your "concern" for others rings hollow.
Concerns you? How can you write this drivel while this... Your "concern" for others rings hollow.
- bloatedmosquito
Because, as I said, I have grown children who are trying to make it in the country and I have siblings and friends my age who's kids and families are trying to start life as adults in the country. We discuss current events, I apparently see the country different than you. I'm not sticking my head in the sand pretending nothing is wrong because my life is good. You just come off like you don't really see any issues in Canada, kinda blasé, because your life is good everyone's life must be good, I don't feel that way.
You continually fall back into this false narrative that because my life is good that I shouldn't be alarmed about the state of our country, like you're not alarmed. I don't feel that way, despite my social standing. You're not concerned, I am.
Your laughable laissez faire attitude is what's wrong with the country, in part, a lot of people have it so good they're just not engaged in their own future or the future of their children. "Meh, it's not that bad". This is you to a tee!!
You wouldn't know this because you do nothing but take from society, you contribute nothing, however, I'm trying to relay to him that being of good social standing does not preclude you from having an opinion on the state of affairs in your country.
Between my brothers and sisters and I we have eight young adult children from the ages of 25 and 35 trying to make a go of things, it's not as rosy as he would make it seem.
