Have the majority of us clued into the fact that when it comes to affordability in Vancouver or revitalizing Edmonton and Calgary government is the biggest problem.  Zoning regulations, permit delays, fees, levies and taxes all contribute to cost increases while the stress test prevents buyers from entering the market.

Case in point – 82% of Vancouver residents support a Skytrain line extension – but they weren’t told how much it will cost and who’s going to pay. Without those details the poll results offer no practical value.  Let’s face it the majority of us will always support government spending as long as we don’t know the cost and more importantly – don’t know who’ll pay.

You want a progressive system where the well to do pay more than those with low income. Well, we got it. The latest numbers from Stats Can show that the top 1% of income earners pay 20% of all taxes while the 40% of Canadians who are at the low end of the income scale pay nothing.