Do as I say, not as I do.

Audits are not fun. People hate them. They can instill the fear of God for some. But it is a sad reality that nearly everyone is subject to, except for Parliament.

So not only are the rules of the Board of Internal Economy not public, when Ms. Fraser offers to take a friendly look at their books, she is refused access. Must be nice. Am I extended the same privilege if the Canada Revenue Agency comes knocking on my door?

Actually, CRA should take a look at their books! They did a great job in Toronto where they should be given lessons on the basic concept of taxable benefits!

Unreasonable Search of Homes

Yesterday, Toronto Police announced through the media they would begin a canvas of north Toronto homes in the search for clues about the disappearance of Miriam Makhniashvili. Investigators warned residents they would be knocking on their doors until they answer and they would "ask" to look around their home.

"You will expect a knock at your door and police will keep knocking at your door," Det. Sgt. Dan Nealon told a news conference. "We're also asking to be invited into your home just for a quick peek into areas of your home to ensure that there is no evidence ... and we can move on."

Although my heart goes out to the family of the missing teen and I support the Toronto Police, I have a huge problem with the tactics used by the police. Residents need to grant permission to the investigators to enter their home, but what if they say no? Are they considered a suspect?

Personally, I would not allow police to enter my home without any reason. Does that make me a bad person? Perhaps, but this may be setting a dangerous precedent.

Maybe next time they won't need to ask or have a reason.

David Suzuki on a Coin?!?

Today, I participated in a polling survey for the Royal Canadian Mint to help gauge the popularity of ideas for future commemorative coin series.

One of their ideas was a commemorative coin series on famous Canadians, which in and of itself would be okay. One of the examples they used as a famous Canadian was David Suzuki. Is he an excellent narrator? Yes. Has any of his work critically impacted Canadian society? Umm, no.

Personally, if I received a quarter with Suzuki on it, I would throw up a little in my mouth. What exactly has this individual done other than be very well compensated by the CBC? How on earth could this individual be compared to the likes of Sir Frederick Banting, the Famous Five or Sir John A.?

HST Madness

Although it is a provincial issue, I am a bit amazed by the lack of public debate over the move to harmonize the sales tax in Ontario.

I agree, there are many positive reasons to harmonize the provincial and federal sales tax that will only benefit Ontario, but I have been surprised no one has been pointing out the obvious downside of the plan.

Does no one care there will be a SEVEN percent increase to the tax on services? Your cost of your next trip to Maui just got seven percent more expensive. (Mind you, if you're flying to Maui, I think you can afford an extra seven percent!)

A few days ago, I was chatting with a roofing contractor about getting my roof replaced. I asked him what he thought about the new HST. At first, he was shocked to learn that it passed. He didn't think the government would be stupid enough go through with such a thing. And for good reason too.

With the home renovation tax credit, his business has been booming this year. What's more, ALL his customers want to pay the 5 percent GST to keep everything above board to receive the tax credit. Revenue Canada will be shocked by the sudden boost in the returns for this year...

Next year, there will be no tax credit and there will be a whopping 13 percent tax on all home renovation projects. Everyone is going to want to pay cash, which will only grow the underground economy.

But I suspect it will grow by more than seven percent...

Ablonczy and Gay Pride

Rumours are surfacing about Diane Ablonczy being demoted for sponsoring Toronto's Pride Festival. Naturally all of the social conservatives are up in arms over this "scandal". Those expressing shock and outrage have probably never met a gay person in their life.

It was a great decision for the federal government to sponsor the Pride Festival. My only disappointment was the Government of Canada's presence during the parade was nearly absent with participation only from the Department of National Defence (What!?!). Gay tourism is a massive industry and Toronto's Pride Festival is a major draw for the city.

At the risk of sounding like a pinko commie, I think the Conservative Party should be inclusive and representative of all Canadians of all sexual persuasians. I will be very disappointed if it turns out Ms. Ablonczy was demoted for sponsoring this event.

R.I.P.

Flaherty's Credit Card Announcement

Yesterday's announcement of new rules for credit card companies was very good news for Canadians.

Unbeknownst to many Canadians, credit card companies have been introducing scandalous rules for charging interest. Once upon a time, I goofed up paying my Capital One credit card bill by entering the wrong amount. I was short a few dollars on my bill. As a result, I ended up paying $60 dollars in interest! It was quite literally a costly mistake.

Just recently, my credit card company changed their interest policy again. Now if I carry interest on my card, they will start charging interest from the date of my purchases, plus interest on any new purchases. In the end, you don't get any grace period and you have to pay interest for approximately three months.

It's no bloody wonder people collapse under credit card debt. People don't have a fighting chance. Until the new rules take effect, my only option is to throw a bunch of money at my card and stop using it for two months. God help you if you don't have any cash to put on your card.