Tax cuts massive deflection of social funds: critics
The Daily Courier (Vernon)
October 31, 2007

….. The most vocal critics accused the government of playing to the crudest political sentiments at the expense of social, environmental and educational spending.

"I'm in favour of tax cuts," said Finance Minister Jim Flaherty just after delivering the fiscal update turned mini-budget. "We think Canadians pay too much tax.

"Our strong fiscal position provides Canada with an opportunity that few other countries have - to make broad-based tax reductions that will strengthen our economy and leave more money in the pockets of ordinary Canadians."…

That's a massive deflection of funds that could have been used for the greater social good, say critics.

"Tax cuts will not do anything to help skyrocketing drug costs, our crumbling municipal infrastructure, nor provide clean drinking water on First Nations reserves," said Bruce Campbell, executive director of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives.

"They will not create affordable child care spaces, build affordable housing, lower tuition fees, nor reduce greenhouse gases."