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For those that say ‘the One Per Cent can afford to pay more’, we need to understand that there are consequences to tax rates that put more of every dollar in the government’s hands than ours. There are consequences to removing incentives from business owners to grow their businesses. In a global world, there are options for some businesses to stay in Canada or to move to another country.

I recently heard a story about a couple that moved to Sweden and opened a restaurant. The restaurant had 6 tables, and was open 5 days a week from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. When they were asked why they moved to Sweden they said, “Life is easy here. We don’t have to work very hard.” Is that what we want Canada to become? A place where taking risks is not rewarded? Where working very hard is not very smart? Where those who are financially successful are viewed as the bad guys and the financial solution to every problem?

I was taught to take responsibility for my own success or failure. I thought that was part of the Canadian culture. In 2017, I am really feeling that that culture is slipping away.

I would much rather live in a culture where all Canadians would do their best to build more for themselves and their families, and to ask less of government. This includes both the 99 Per Cent and the One Per Cent. The business owner and the government employee. The student and the senior. I am afraid that to continue on the path we are headed will eventually make Canada an economic basket case — and that will cause pain to all Canadians.

Ted Rechtshaffen is President and Wealth Advisor at TriDelta Financial, a boutique wealth management firm focusing on investment counselling and estate planning. tedr@tridelta.ca