Taxes are an important contribution to the common good. They raise the revenues used to pay for democratic institutions and to provide government programs and services.
Over the past decade, significant changes have been made to Canada’s tax system, including deep cuts to tax rates. The impact of these changes is a cause for concern, as taxes are one way that we as citizens fulfill our obligation to promote justice and to respect the right of all people to live in dignity. For governments, tax policy can be used to foster justice, and tax revenue can pay for infrastructure that benefits all and promotes an equitable society. Public justice also supports a progressive distribution of taxes, and transparent and accountable decisions from governments on taxation and spending.
Taxation policy is a critical component of CPJ's work on poverty, climate justice, and refugee rights. You can find out more about our work on social investments and income security in the Poverty section. More information about carbon pricing can be found in the Climate Justice section.
CPJ is a founding member of the Canadians for Tax Fairness, a non-partisan organization advocating for fair and progressive tax policies aimed at building a strong and sustainable economy, reducing inequalities and funding quality public services.
CPJ provides timely analysis and research on taxation policy in Canada.
Research
CPJ's research report, “Taxes for the Common Good,” is a series of six fact sheets highlighting the positive role taxes play in a democratic society and summarizing up-to-date information on the costs and opportunities afforded by various federal tax policy options.
Policy Statements
CPJ’s public justice framework supports the notion that taxes are an important contribution to the common good. The majority (75%) of Canadians believe taxes are good because they pay for important things that contribute to a positive quality of life.
Federal Budgets
Each year, CPJ submits our recommendations for the federal budget to the House of Commons Finance Committee. Once the budget is released, we respond with analysis that outlines the impact of the budget on low-income Canadians, ecological justice, and refugee rights.
News
Keep up-to-date with the latest news and views from CPJ on taxation by reading the articles written by CPJ staff and citing CPJ’s work.