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One hundred years ago, on July 25, 1917, Conservative Finance Minister Sir Thomas White introduced a plan for Canada’s very first income tax in the House of Commons. It was three years into the First World War, and days after the adoption of compulsory military service. White had suggested that Parliament consider whether or not to keep the tax after the war. Since we’re all still paying, someone, somewhere in Ottawa must deem this anniversary worth celebrating.

The following are selected excerpts from White’s addresses to the House.

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Mr. Chairman, the enactment of the Military Service Bill, which has just passed through the House, will result in material increase in and acceleration of the war expenditures of the Dominion. By that Bill, provision is made for calling an additional 100,000 men to the forces of Canada (by conscription). In view of the expenditure involved, and in order to maintain the credit of the Dominion, it is necessary that we should adopt further taxation measures. Apart from this necessity from a financial standpoint, there has arisen, in connection with the Military Service Bill, both in this House and in the country, a very natural and, in my view a very just, sentiment that those who are in the enjoyment of substantial incomes should substantially and directly contribute to the growing war expenditures of the Dominion.