Editor:
Both as a small-business owner and a Canadian citizen, I was shocked to learn Canadian border officials were allowing same-day shoppers a “free” pass for the day.
No duties/taxes are being collected because of long border delays.
As a taxpayer, what right do paid officials have the power to decide this issue?
If I am busy at my business, do I have the power not to collect taxes? No, if I decided to do this, I would face heavy fines/possible jail time.
All I see are headlines in the media about federal and provincial deficits growing. Here, a large source of income being denied to our governments.
I don’t fault the consumer for finding the best deal. If prices are better in the U.S., go there. But be prepared for long delays at the border. That is the price for your cost-saving trip.
Just remember, your next trip for medical attention at the hospital may be delayed due to no tax money for your procedure.
Both Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Christy Clark need to look at this issue.
The government is concerned about tax evasion. The worst offenders are our border officials who are employed by the citizens of Canada.
Rod Baker, Surrey