It’s a tongue in cheek reference, of course, but it is true that persons earning higher incomes pay far more taxes than those in the middle and lower end of the income distribution. And it is also true that the Maritime Provinces are at the low end of the scale when it comes to those earning $100k or $250k per year. I did a quick back of the napkin analysis and if New Brunswick had as many people earning $100k as Alberta (ie. 96.5 per 1,000 persons reporting income) it would eliminate the province’s need for fiscal equalization payments.
Of course that is easier said than done but if we at least understand this policy dynamic it should influence a lot of things in the public policy arena.
Persons with income of $100,000+ (per 1,000 reporting any income)
In 2009. Source: Statistics Canada. Table 111-0008 – Neighbourhood income and demographics, taxfilers and dependents with income by total income.
Persons with income of $250,000+ (per 1,000 reporting any income)
In 2009. Source: Statistics Canada. Table 111-0008 – Neighbourhood income and demographics, taxfilers and dependents with income by total income.