The Big Five Podcast Is it time to raise the GST? Plus: A Quebec judge throws the book at road rage.
Jul 7, 2025
Elias Makos chats with Christina Chough, Chair of the Modern Languages Department at Dawson College, and Paul Gott, lead singer of the punk band Ripcordz and a journalism professor at Concordia. They discuss the potential GST hike to address Canada's deficit, debating its long-term effects on affordability. A recent Quebec road rage case sparks conversation about judicial fairness and the role of personal circumstances in legal decisions. The trio also touches on the need for secularism in education, advocating for diversity and open dialogue.
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GST Increase Could Raise Billions
- Raising the GST from 5% to 7% could generate an additional $22 billion annually.
- However, concerns exist about GST being a regressive tax affecting affordability.
Target Corporations, Not Consumers
- Tax large corporations fairly instead of raising GST further.
- Replicate financial strategies used during COVID economic support periods.
GST Hits Poor Hardest
- GST is a regressive tax worsening affordability challenges for lower-income groups.
- Targeted taxes on unhealthy products like sugary drinks are preferable alternatives.