本文发表在 rolia.net 枫下论坛ZT --- Voices: Take-home pay
The take-home pay of the average Canadian has barely advanced in the last 15 years, the TD Bank says in a study. We asked readers whether they felt their standard of living had improved in recent years. Here's what you had to say:
My standard of living has decreased significantly. Just 15 years ago, my father raised a family of 3 kids on my wage. After paying rent, bills, food, etc. I have barely anything left to speak of and it's only me that I am providing for. I am baffled.
Jason Walters, Toronto, Jan. 18
Of course we should not forget the new Liberal health tax in Ontario that dipped directly into the take-home pay of Ontario taxpayers. Workers now need a fair increase to compensate for this "theft" by Dalton and company.
Wayne DeLuca, Exeter, Jan. 18
I've been saying this for the last two years. An income of 47,000/yr. pays almost 10,000/yr. in taxes. It's pathetic. Add the cost of day care and student loans and there is nothing left.
Lee Smith, North Bay, Jan. 18
Yes, I do feel my income has bang for the buck. However, I do not live in Toronto. I live 45 minutes from a major southwestern Ontario city. Homes in Toronto are expensive compared to here and people must be in a tremendous amount of debt to have two cars and a home if making the average Canadian income.
Shelley Speiran, Glencoe, Jan. 18
No, I don't think my standard of living has improved over the last 15 years. Do you think two people making $30,000 can afford to buy a $300,000 house, which is basically the lowest cost of houses in Toronto and the GTA? I have been out of school for 10 years and my salary has not improved at all. Prices have increased on everything but salaries for the working average folk have not.
Maria Mederios, Markham, Jan. 18
The only people I believe that can afford to live comfortably in my town are the politicians.
Murray Austin, St. Catharines, Jan. 18
I agree. What I don't understand is how they can say that the inflation rate is so low when I can see around me and personally that expenses are way higher? Just your home utility and tax bills are far higher than 15 years ago.
Ray Ravoi, Hamilton, Jan. 18
Not at all. Look at the cost of everything and factor in a paycheque, the deductions and the buying power of what is left over and we have fallen behind big-time.
Robert Reeson, Pontytpool, Jan. 18
We pay high taxes, get a modicum of services and get paid lousy wages by employers. Many of them insist on sub-contracting so they don't have to pay any tax, benefits, or insurable earnings.
Steve Jackson, Toronto, Jan. 18
It's funny. Taxes go down slightly but we are hit with user fees for OHIP, higher fees for other federal and provincial services and higher rates for power, water, natural gas and petroleum. It's hard to save or get ahead when you are being hit from both the government and private sector for their share of monies.
Dave Walker, Harrow, Ont., Jan. 18
Taxes go up even if government officials promise they will not. Utility services increase their fees under the umbrella statement "In order to continue to provide superior service." The banks increase their fees for no reason other than corporate greed. Prices go up in stores. I receive a 20 cent increase per hour each year. That is $416 extra a year before taxes. Of course my standard of living hasn't improved. How can it?
Derrick Webber, Oshawa, Jan. 18
I have made many efforts to improve my own standard of living by working for one employer, gaining experience, and then moving on to positions with greater responsibilities with different employers. At the same time, I have yet to experience job security. I do not own a home. I also have very little savings, and am still saddled with enormous student loans that I may never be able to pay off before I pass on.
Jeff Rice, Montreal, Jan. 18更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net
The take-home pay of the average Canadian has barely advanced in the last 15 years, the TD Bank says in a study. We asked readers whether they felt their standard of living had improved in recent years. Here's what you had to say:
My standard of living has decreased significantly. Just 15 years ago, my father raised a family of 3 kids on my wage. After paying rent, bills, food, etc. I have barely anything left to speak of and it's only me that I am providing for. I am baffled.
Jason Walters, Toronto, Jan. 18
Of course we should not forget the new Liberal health tax in Ontario that dipped directly into the take-home pay of Ontario taxpayers. Workers now need a fair increase to compensate for this "theft" by Dalton and company.
Wayne DeLuca, Exeter, Jan. 18
I've been saying this for the last two years. An income of 47,000/yr. pays almost 10,000/yr. in taxes. It's pathetic. Add the cost of day care and student loans and there is nothing left.
Lee Smith, North Bay, Jan. 18
Yes, I do feel my income has bang for the buck. However, I do not live in Toronto. I live 45 minutes from a major southwestern Ontario city. Homes in Toronto are expensive compared to here and people must be in a tremendous amount of debt to have two cars and a home if making the average Canadian income.
Shelley Speiran, Glencoe, Jan. 18
No, I don't think my standard of living has improved over the last 15 years. Do you think two people making $30,000 can afford to buy a $300,000 house, which is basically the lowest cost of houses in Toronto and the GTA? I have been out of school for 10 years and my salary has not improved at all. Prices have increased on everything but salaries for the working average folk have not.
Maria Mederios, Markham, Jan. 18
The only people I believe that can afford to live comfortably in my town are the politicians.
Murray Austin, St. Catharines, Jan. 18
I agree. What I don't understand is how they can say that the inflation rate is so low when I can see around me and personally that expenses are way higher? Just your home utility and tax bills are far higher than 15 years ago.
Ray Ravoi, Hamilton, Jan. 18
Not at all. Look at the cost of everything and factor in a paycheque, the deductions and the buying power of what is left over and we have fallen behind big-time.
Robert Reeson, Pontytpool, Jan. 18
We pay high taxes, get a modicum of services and get paid lousy wages by employers. Many of them insist on sub-contracting so they don't have to pay any tax, benefits, or insurable earnings.
Steve Jackson, Toronto, Jan. 18
It's funny. Taxes go down slightly but we are hit with user fees for OHIP, higher fees for other federal and provincial services and higher rates for power, water, natural gas and petroleum. It's hard to save or get ahead when you are being hit from both the government and private sector for their share of monies.
Dave Walker, Harrow, Ont., Jan. 18
Taxes go up even if government officials promise they will not. Utility services increase their fees under the umbrella statement "In order to continue to provide superior service." The banks increase their fees for no reason other than corporate greed. Prices go up in stores. I receive a 20 cent increase per hour each year. That is $416 extra a year before taxes. Of course my standard of living hasn't improved. How can it?
Derrick Webber, Oshawa, Jan. 18
I have made many efforts to improve my own standard of living by working for one employer, gaining experience, and then moving on to positions with greater responsibilities with different employers. At the same time, I have yet to experience job security. I do not own a home. I also have very little savings, and am still saddled with enormous student loans that I may never be able to pay off before I pass on.
Jeff Rice, Montreal, Jan. 18更多精彩文章及讨论，请光临枫下论坛 rolia.net