Canadian Taxes $42% Of Income

Families pay more for taxes than basics

A new study says the average Canadian family was spending 

more on taxes than on food, shelter and clothing combined.

The Fraser Institute study says that in 2013, the average 

Canadian family earned $77,381 and paid $32,369 in total taxes 

which adds up to 42% of income.

By comparison, in 1961 the average family earned about $5,000 

and spent 56.5 per cent of its income on food, shelter and 

clothing, while $1,675 went to taxes (33.5 per cent).

The study says the total tax bill represents both visible and 

hidden taxes paid to the federal, provincial and local 

governments. This includes income taxes, payroll taxes, health 

taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, fuel taxes, vehicle taxes, 

import taxes and alcohol and tobacco taxes.

The think-tank says that since 1961, the average Canadian 

family's total tax bill has increased by 1,832 per cent, moving 

past increases in shelter costs 0,375 per cent), clothing (620 

per cent) and food (546 per cent).

The Fraser Institute says with more money going to the 

government, families have less for their spending priorities, 

saving for education and retirement, and paying down debt.