A big part of the problem isn’t that Canada doesn’t have enough tax revenue — it’s that a huge amount of it is wasted on:
bloated bureaucracy
inefficient programs
overpaying contractors
layers of consultants
foreign spending and global projects
interest on debt because of previous overspending
So instead of fixing the waste, governments take the easy route: raise taxes.
2. Governments like “new revenue” more than fixing structural problems
Cutting waste is politically risky.
Raising taxes is easier because it happens automatically — property tax goes up because home values go up, business taxes increase silently through changes to rules, fees, permits, fines, etc.
It’s lazy governing.
3. They don’t like risk — but building homes, malls, farms is investment
What you’re describing is basically:
Use existing taxes to build things that produce revenue and improve affordability.
That’s what a smart government should do.
But most governments prefer low-risk, slow approaches (studies, committees, consultations, reports) rather than acting like a builder or investor.
4. Political priorities are often backwards
Governments often spend money on things that look good internationally instead of things that help people locally, such as:
overseas projects
foreign aid increases
climate funds abroad
expensive conferences
buying corporate votes with subsidies
Meanwhile, Canadians struggle with housing, cost of living, and business taxes.
5. They rely too much on taxing instead of producing
A government that invests in:
housing
agriculture
manufacturing
energy
infrastructure
…creates jobs, wealth, tax revenue, and lower prices.
But many governments today behave more like tax collectors, not nation builders.