Truckers Income Tax Comparisons

In Pursuit Of Equality

To launch “Canada Truck Operators” (my industry analysis blog) I choose to start with a detailed analysis of the tax implications on Canadian trucker’s meals. It’s a hot steamy topic that has been rightfully on the minds of most Canadian truckers for over a decade. Though my research goes back 25 years I chose to only start my chart at 1992 because the prior values are pretty much the same trajectory.
What boils my potatoes more than any other data is the impact of the 1994 budget and it’s gross misrepresentation to the public and the industry. If anyone remembers, the Prime Minister at the time stated “…there are some industries that are not paying their fair share of taxes…”. The party at the time then proceeded to CUT the deductibility of meals to truckers. Even though, according to the data presented, the truck drivers were already OVER paying their fair share of taxes.
When government stands behind a microphone and says something, does anyone hold them accountable? In 1994 the government FLAT OUT LIED! It’s no wonder that Canadians complain about their government so much. People rarely trust someone who twists the facts.
What is also misleading is the effect the “lunch bag letdown” campaign actually had on justice and equality. I projected the net effect to 2011 to show that the most conservative case still shows a difference of 649% ($74.67). Let’s remember, once it bottoms at 649% (in 2011) the percentage will once again start creeping upwards.
I’m not interested in political spin games or smoke and mirrors, only cold hard facts, justice and equality. I believe the more the public and the industry truly knows the facts, the more accountable our government will be.
Fully implemented to the lease/owner operator sector of the trucking industry, equality will provide anywhere from $100-200 million dollars per year. That’s $6-8000 in tax reduction per operator… PER YEAR! Not an insignificant amount.
One of my personal desires is to expose the truth to as many drivers as possible and set the industry on the road to justice, equality, sound business practices and the removal of needless government meddling. This may take many years but I believe it can be done, and in a way Canadians can be proud of.

In this case the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms 15.1 is similar to the Ontario speed limit. It looks pretty when posted but seldom enforced.