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Canadians shell out more on taxes — federal, provincial and local, and indirect — than they do on food, shelter and clothing combined, says a report by the Fraser Institute released Monday.

The Canadian Consumer Tax Index compares how much the average taxpayer forks out today, compared with 1961, posing the question: Are Canadians getting enough bang for their bucks?

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It finds taxes have grown more rapidly than any other single item of expenditure for the average family. Last year, that added up to 41.8% of income, compared to 33.5% in 1961.

Given the sheer number of indirect levies – such as the taxes on sales, property , fuel, vehicles, imports, alcohol and tobacco – it’s hardly surprising people don’t realize how much they actually pay.

Families have less to spend on things they care about

But with such a hefty chunk of income being eaten up in this way, Charles Lammam, co-author of the report, said taxpayers should ask whether they’re getting value for money.