The speech from the throne is just around the corner. Will the Liberal government make broad and much-needed economic and social change amid the pandemic, or will it give in to the wealthy again?
Adam Saifer, Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM)
The growth of private foundations in Canada has occurred at the expense of government tax revenue. Philanthropic donations are dollars that have been redirected away from universal social services.
A wealth tax on the top 1% of South Africans could raise R143 billion. This corresponds to 29% of the R500 billion COVID-19 package announced by the government.
Archbishop Bishop Desmond Tutu is well known for having invoked an ubuntu ethic to evaluate South African society, and he can take substantial credit for having made the term familiar.
South Africa needs to start thinking about life after President Jacob Zuma. Given the damage that he’s done, serious thought should be given to forming a government of national unity.
There has been a great deal of research, planning and talking to come up with solutions to South Africa’s higher education funding crisis. Some of these plans must now be put into action.
Two centuries of tax policy show efforts to raise taxes on the rich hinge on questions of fairness. The history also suggests proponents have a tough road ahead.