"A Conservative government will reduce taxes. We will cut gas taxes. We will cut personal taxes. We will cut small business taxes." - National Post

After reading the above quote of Stephen Harper in an article by the National Post, titled “Harper gives election-style speech in Vancouver,” I promptly wondered whether or not this country can afford tax cuts. Though I do not wish to create the impression that I have an idea what the budget exactly looks like for this country, or the soundness of its future for that matter, the idea of tax cuts does not appear to be based upon sound judgment.

First, take a brief look at the news. Ontario's Premier has already expressed discontent with the amount of money his province pays to the federal government compared to the services it receives in return, dropout rates among Ontario youth, and the province's aging population.

Media describe how Harper has proposed to create incentives for more skilled tradespersons, as discussed in this article.

The promises resulting from the popular health accord of '04 appears to be experiencing problems due to a fear that 'have-not' provinces will face legal complications if they cannot match 'benchmarks' enjoyed in 'have' provinces as outlined in this article.

A British Columbia task force, in an attempt to address rising crime rates, is suggesting a 'community court' that would provide more emphasis on rehabilitating offenders.

Now, usually when you pitch an idea do you not try to throw it with some sort of momentum? The proposal to cut taxes when a multitude of difficulties within the country appear to require attention – and more money – sounds ludicrous. Health care, transfer payments, our obligations to cut down pollution, our aging populations, crime, terrorism, these matters will doggedly demand this country's attention for all time. In addition, let us not forget unexpected surprises such as the '05 floods during the summer in southern Alberta, the hurricanes that pass by the Canadian east coast, the freakish winter weather that visited Quebec years back, the reaction to the Mad Cow disease, or the lumber dispute. Will there really be enough money for all of the above and tax cuts of the sort suggested by Mr. Harper?