In the 1980s the Whistler Question began posing a question to three to six people and publishing their responses under “Whistler’s Answers” (not to be confused with the Whistler Answer). Each week, we’ll be sharing one question and the answers given back in 1985. Please note, all names/answers/occupations/neighbourhoods represent information given to the Question at the time of publishing and do not necessarily reflect the person today.
Some context for this week’s question: The Progressive Conservatives were elected in the 1984 federal election and presented their first budget in May 1985. It included income and other tax increases, a cut to spending of about $1.8 billion, an increase of revenue, a reduction in the civil service, and more, though there was no mention of tourism in the budget. To some, it appeared to have been a “Red Tory budget,” where everyone got a little bit of something to make them happy.
Question: What do you think about the Progressive Conservatives federal budget unveiled last Thursday?
Maria Jacot – Waitress – Alpine Meadows
I think it’s just typical of a Tory government to tax middle income Canadians. The $500,000 exemption (Canadians now have a $500,000 lifetime capital gains tax exemption) just applies to the Tory voters. It’s useless for anyone except big business and wealthy Canadians.
Bubs van Hooser – Psychiatric Hospital Employee – Kingston, Ont.
What can you do? The government can raise taxes and do whatever it wants. I just try to live day by day. I don’t get interested in politics or anything like that. I guess all you can do is vote for someone else next time.
Sandra Morris – Consultant – Vancouver
It’s a complex issue. I’m not too keen on (Registered Home Ownership Plans) being phased out. No, I don’t think cutbacks work because they cause more problems than they solve.