100 YEARS OF INCOME TAX

One hundred years ago, on July 25, 1917, Conservative Finance Minister Sir Thomas White introduced a plan for Canada’s very first income tax in the House of Commons. It was three years into the First World War, and days after the adoption of compulsory military service. White had suggested that Parliament consider whether or not to keep the tax after the war. Since we’re all still paying, someone, somewhere in Ottawa must deem this anniversary worth celebrating.