Social Programs & Taxation Models

Political platform

Describes the polices of a political party

Planned Economy

An economic system where the government makes all decisions about production, distribution, and prices.

Mixed economy

An economic system that combines government control with free market principles.

Market economy

An economic system where supply and demand determine prices, and businesses operate with little government interference.

Social Programs

Social programs are services provided by the government and paid for by taxes. ​

Taxation Model

A government’s policy on what to tax, how much to tax, and how to use those taxes.

Income Tax

Tax paid on personal earnings to federal and provincial governments.

Sales Tax (GST/PST)

Tax added to goods and services; GST is federal, PST is provincial (not in Alberta).

Property Tax

Tax paid on property ownership, often used to fund local services like schools.

Employment Insurance (EI)

Government payments to individuals who’ve lost jobs and are seeking employment.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP)

Retirement income program funded through payroll contributions, paid back at retirement.

Public Education

Education funded by taxes, usually free from kindergarten through high school.

Child Benefits

Financial support from the government to help families with the cost of raising children.

Universal Healthcare

Health services available to all citizens, funded through taxes without direct payment.

Underground Economy

Economic activity where goods/services are exchanged without government oversight or taxes (e.g., paying cash to avoid sales tax).

Tax Evasion

Illegally avoiding taxes by underreporting income or not paying what is owed.

Federal Government Responsibility

Ensures “peace, order, and good government”; creates laws like the Canada Health Act.

Provincial Government Responsibility

Manages healthcare and other social services within each province.

Canada’s Motto

"Peace, order and good government" – supports collective wellbeing through social programs.

U.S. Motto

"Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" – emphasizes personal freedom and private responsibility.

Corporate Tax

Tax paid by businesses, contributing to funding public services and infrastructure.

Tax Fraud

Claiming you have less money than you actually do, so you pay less taxes.

Good and Services Tax

A federal tax in Canada applied to most goods and services, currently set at 5%.