I spoke to a MP in Canada recently over coffee. Usually the Conservative legislator is full of good news about new and continual projects the government has started to create employment through various legally binding corporate partnerships.
A cheery person usually filled with optimism and bravado. But not this time. First thing I said to me was fill your car up lately? Expect to pay more than $2.00+ a liter by December 2026.
What a way to start the conversation. What followed was thirty minutes of straight talk that could make our financial situation crumble.
All governments are in considerable debt, especially the Federal Government. Local governments have been spending with the hope of answering the public’s needs for housing.
Housing starts are more expensive and the numbers constructed far less than promised.
Provincial coffers need to be boosted as the provincial gravy train for some very large corporations continues to grow.
Affordable housing made? Not so much. Profits for the developers? Yup!
Ever increasing debt ceilings all round, and yet our taxes are growing in many cases gradually. No more. The banking system is becoming more stringent with a harrowing grip upon loan policies be it personal or even the government.
Personal debt continues to grow as the consumer culture we live in acts as a therapeutic massage… want to feel better? Buy something! Use those credit cards folks. Governments have been doing the same these past few decades amassing a considerable public debt.
America has a huge national debt nearing $40.4 Trillion (as of Sept 10th 2026). Canada’s National Debt is nearing $2.73 Trillion. A lot for a small population. That is @ $68,318 per citizen’s share.
Uncontrollable debt, continual public and private spending and we can see a scenario where the government “must” increase its taxes and do it now. Is the government doing too much for its citizens? Some say not enough.
When will private industry stick its head into the situation offering to take care of local and provincial services much like what happens in “RoboCop” movies?
Introducing bidding wars on public services, now that is something The Conservatives Pierre Poilievre would buy for a dollar.
Tariffs and the animosity we witness each day coming from our neighbour to the south has forced our economy into defensive mode. What to do?
Plainly you and I can do very little except support our own local economy, bring our personal budgets into line, control our spending, support our neighbours when we can and truly study this question, “What does it Mean to be Canadian”?
Paying taxes is like the two other truths about life, we are born, we pay taxes and then we die (there is a death tax too). Encouraging eh?
Canadians, you are in a special place in a special time. Our nation must pivot direction and work towards a most selfish thing, that of national economic, social and historical survival.
Like I like to say, “Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst”.
Steven Kaszab
Bradford, Ontario