Good morning, and thank you for inviting us to present our brief.
The Catholic Women’s League of Canada, founded in 1920, is the largest national organization of women in Canada, with nearly 98,000 members represented in every province and territory and in the military. The league is organized and committed to serve all citizens and has often received the commendation and keen appreciation of federal, provincial, and municipal authorities for the voluntary services ably performed by its nationwide membership.
The league’s main concern is justice for all, being mindful of the needs of the most vulnerable in society. League members believe that the guiding principle behind taxation law should be the welfare of each and every Canadian citizen. The goals of our tax law would be to ensure that the basic needs are met for each citizen, including a healthy standard of living and a sustainable ecology. Taxation should be based on the idea of, from each according to means, to each according to needs. There must be a just balance between personal and corporate tax. Corporations do not need to be gouged, but neither should they be given tax breaks at the expense of individual taxpayers. In terms of activities funded by the government, social programs that benefit citizens and that care for the voiceless and the marginalized need to be priorities, not the improvement of bottom lines.
A country as rich as Canada should not have the level of poverty that it has, especially among children, single parents, and the elderly. Child benefits should not be taxable in order to ensure that the money goes to families and is not clawed back through income taxes.
We would like to suggest a tax credit for stay-at-home parents. Such benefits and tax credits would put more money in the hands of parents, thus ensuring that children do not go hungry. Unfortunately, in Canada today too many families are forced to rely on food banks and clothing depots.
The same is increasingly true for seniors. We have serious questions as to whether the guaranteed income supplement and the old age security pension meet the needs of seniors. The lack of adequate affordable housing for low-income families, the disabled, and many seniors is another concern that needs to be addressed by the federal government.
Literacy is a major factor in breaking the poverty cycle. Literacy programs in schools are all very well, but there is a high rate of illiteracy among adults, particularly with recently arrived refugees and in aboriginal communities. Literacy programs for adults are essential. Literacy skills can lead to job opportunities, self-sufficiency, and thus more people contributing to the tax base. In a related matter, the league supports tax exemption for post-secondary school textbooks.
Poverty and poor health often go hand in hand in Canada. Canada’s publicly funded health care system must be maintained for all. One enhancement of the system would be an effective, cost-efficient national pharmacare program. National home care standards and a tax credit for caregivers should save health care dollars in the long run. Palliative care must be an integral part of the health care system. Quality palliative care does not call for costly high tech intervention and respects the dignity of the dying.
The statement in the second question by the committee, “given that corporations provide employment… and contribute to the economic growth of the nation” raises some flags. What kind of employment is being provided--full-time with benefits and a decent wage or part-time at minimum wage and no benefits? If the latter, such employment is of little or no benefit to Canadians and does nothing to enhance family life and health. The proliferation of part-time employment saddles many Canadian workers with the burden of multiple jobs at long hours for little pay. Family life inevitably suffers.
There appears to be a connection between the deteriorating health of the environment and rapid economic growth. Tax incentives for fostering environmental protection, reducing greenhouse gases, and using renewable energy sources would be of great benefit to both the Canadian environment and ultimately the economy. Care for the earth at the present time will ensure a viable future for our children.
While much concern relates to Canada, the league recognizes that members live in a global world and that they have a responsibility towards their neighbours and other countries. Once again, the league stands in solidarity with the marginalized, requesting debt relief with burdened developing countries, and the re-establishment of funding to MaterCare International, for example. A resolution adopted at our 85th annual national convention in August this year asks the government to link financial support, i.e., tax breaks, to Canadian registered mining companies adhering to international and Canadian standards of mining practices while doing business in developing countries. The premise “do no harm” should be kept in mind in all financial considerations in connection with underprivileged countries.
Be assured that league members across the country will continue to follow these issues closely to ensure that the most vulnerable in society are protected. It is our hope that the outcome of these pre-budget consultations and the resulting effect on our tax laws will reflect these concerns.
Thank you.