2.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOlt- GoxMuI&list=PLWsWrJHQSlisZ2qmCDJsNXZkS MJopu5Q1&index=2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOlt- GoxMuI&list=PLWsWrJHQSlisZ2qmCDJsNXZkS MJopu5Q1&index=2

3.  Are taxes a “new” phenomenon?  Taxes have been imposed on all kinds of goods throughout history.

4.  Peter the Great of Russia taxed beards between 1705 and 1772.  He thought they looked ridiculous!  He wanted to modernize Russian Society by making his nobility and upper class look more “European” (clean-shaven)  Men had to buy a “beard token”

5.  The Hat Tax – 18 th C. in England.  Taxes were imposed to protect the beaver fur industry.  It was assumed that the wealthy would have lots of hats, and that the poor would have few (or none)  Sellers of hats had to buy a license  Tax was repealed in 1811.

6.  First levied in California in 1991 following the NBA finals.  Targets high-profile, wealthy athletes who earn income in many states.  States collect income taxes from “away games” played in their state.  Is this fair?

7.  To enjoy benefits that we often take for granted (Public Goods)  To redistribute wealth so that more people can get what they need.  To provide social services  To offer incentives to businesses, which boosts the economy.

8. Take a moment and think: 1. Make a list of “taxable items” (things that are taxed) Try to categorize your items. 2. Make a list of “tax revenue benefits” (things that we have because the government collects taxes). Again, try and categorize.

9.  Roads  Public Utilities  Education  Health Care  Economic Development  Cultural Activities  Defense  Law Enforcement  Health Care

10.  Did you Know: Taxes Did you Know: Taxes

11. Sources of Revenue 2013-14 Source: Dept. of Finance

12. Composition of Expenses 2013-2014 Source: Dept. of Finance

13.  Department of Finance: ◦ Creates tax laws  Parliament ◦ Passes laws  Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) ◦ Carries out the laws

14.  Based on the concept of self-assessment.  We are responsible for making sure we pay our taxes according to the law.  We must list our own income and deductions on our tax returns.  This system depends on: ◦ The CRA’s interpretation and application of the law in a uniform and impartial manner; ◦ Our accurate self-assessment of what we earn and what we owe.

15.  What are the pros and cons of such a system?

16.  Read the 3 sections of the document entitled “Canada’s Tax System”  Answer the questions on the back about Canada’s Tax System  Read the Taxpayer Bill of Rights  Did anything surprise you?  What do you think is the most important Right?

17.  In Canada, we have 3 levels of government: FEDERAL, PROVINCIAL, MUNICIPAL These levels of government have different responsibilities:

18. FEDERAL National Defense Employment Insurance Canada Pension Plan Old Age Security Money & Banking Police (RCMP) PROVINCIAL Education Health Care Environment Police (OPP) Provincial Parks Roads & Highways Social Services MUNICIPAL Roads Police Fire Ambulances Garbage & Recycling Libraries Parks Water & Sewers Public Transportation