2 NA,

BUDGET EPILOGUE: Contrary to.an earlier assumption,
it turns out that total 1989-1990 expenditures in Michael
Wilson’s budget — $142.9 billion — DO unhandsomely ex-

ceed last year’s total.

However, another figure in his West Van Mayor Don Lanskail
budget strengthens still further the —_ now says the twin towers at 320
case for a flat tax (this column, Taylor Way — opposed by more
Friday, April 28). He projects only _ than half the citizenry — must go
just over $50 billion revenue from ahead. His Worship cites the re-

. premiums, sales taxes, customs by council in unseemly haste 12
and excise, and ‘‘other revenue.”’ months ago, is legally binding.
So our conservative estimate of Therefore, the 50.12 per cent ref-

about $86.66 billion in personal ‘ erendum vote AGAINST the pro-

payer-friendly flat tax of 22 per toilet to avoid otherwise paying
cent on all net income over $17,500 horrendous damages to the devel-
would seemingly wipe out the defi- oper for cancelling the contract.
cit altogether. Newcorp’s pending lawsuit
But, of course, it would also against council for delay in per-
wipe out loophole artists, the tax formance could still cost Tid-

how many Queen’s Printer staff — still be a lot better than a bill for
: and Ottawa's chief ‘‘power tool” up to maybe $10 million. So, as
for controlling how we run our the year-long soap opera closes,

eae - Towers -— like we always said,
they’re good for you!’’

UNIVERSE UNFOLDS Dept. As
long predicted in these scribblings,

BARBARA BRINK of West Van
introduces her spectacular new
baby to the public this Saturday,
May 6, when the president of
Science Werid B.C. throws open
the doors of Vancouver’s famous

Creek. Since last year’s four-
month preview, which drew more
than 365,000 visitors, Expo’s
geodesic dome has been
transformed into a world-class
science centre — 100,000 sq.ft.

wonders of the world, many offer-
ing visitors, especially young
BARBARA BRINK ...some. children, a chance to experiment

Tax burden

HEN FINANCE Minister Michael Wilson

delivered his budget four years ago, he said,

‘‘Canadians need to have confidence that we
will reduce deficits and controi the ultimate level of the
debt.’ But with a deficit of $320 billion, it is doubtful
Canadians have any confidence in the Conservative
government’s ability to contro! the country’s finances.

In his budget speech fast week, Wilson said that
*‘controlling the debt will require the resolve of all
Canadians now and for many years to come.’’ That
has translated into among other things, higher taxes,
postponement of a promised day-care program and a
tax back of family allowance and old age security
payments. But what about the resolve of the govern-
ment?

In 1985 Wilson promised that a significant share of
the deficit reduction would come in the form of reduc-
ed government spending — not through taxation.

As for this year’s cut in expenditures on defence,
that amounts to an insigificant amount of the budget,
according to economist Michael Walker, director of
the Fraser Institute. Walker has stated rightfully that
Wilson is taking the easy way out of the problem by
favoring taxes instead of spending cuts.

The budget is tough by taking more money out of
the economy, ‘‘but it’s not constructively tough’’
because it doesn’t cut deeply enough into government
expenditures, Walker said.

Instead. of taking responsibility for the country’s
economic woes, the government has shifted that
burden to the taxpayers, most of whom now have less
ability to pay.

Wiping out the deficit
too costly for Ottawa!

personal income tax — the balance cent Supreme Court ruling that the _ five hours of live entertainment on
coming from corporate taxes, UI controversial 99-year Icase, granted _ the plaza. Cail it the born-again

income tax under a tax- ject must now be flushed down the

consultant industry, 90 per cent of | dlycove taxpayers SOME damages, 44 Gov. David A
Revenue Canada, heaven knows but a few hundred thousand would the Hotel Vancouver They in

tives! : the message to West Vancouverites Day 1945 ... Over 10,000 items
from city hall is: “Eat your Fawlty f;om designer outfits to kids’ wear

“golf ball’” at the east end of False you haven't yet ... And mean-

devoted to exhibits of the scientific

INSIGHTS

$17 million cost of the project has
come from the three levels of gov-
ernment, the balance from major
corporations and private donors
during a two-year fund-raising
drive by Barbara and her board.
The Saturday christening party
brings opening ceremonies at 10
a.m., balloons and banners swirl-
ing around the ‘‘golf ball’? and

spirit of Expo — just three years
later!

weet

WRAP-UP: Resplendent in long
white gowns and gloves, North
Van's Nicole Boyer, Caroline
Raulot-Lapointe and Valerie
Steed, together with West Van’s
Laura Lancaster, will curtsey to

among the 16 debutantes being
presented at the annual Military
Ball celebrating Victory-in-Europe

in the clothing boutique, 400 bot-
tles from wine to soya sauce, 350
decorated cakes, 800 jars of
preserves, plants, crafts, live band,
a silent auction and a midway —
just a few reasons why St.
George's School Country Fair this
Saturday, 1! to 4 at 4175 West
29th overtown, will again draw
visitors from all over the Lower
Mainland. Well worth seeing if

while, tomorrow, May 4, a very
happy birthday to West Van’s
Sean Wardell.

fen .
. Photo submitted
WRIGHT GR WRONG: You get PREPARING TO HAVE A BALL...North Shore debutantes (left to
the chicken out of the egg by right) Valerie Steede, Laura Lancaster, Nicole-Ann Boyer and Caroline

waiting until it hatches — not by Raulot-Lapointe get ready for their big night this Saturday. With them,

christening party! hands on. About 64 per cent ofthe — breaking the shell yourself. Lt. K. Vuorinen of ihe Seaforth Highlanders.

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