Expert: Adam D. McDonald - 6/8/2004

Question
I'm trying to figure something out.  If I were to draw a pie-chart of how much of the federal and provincial governments' budgets were paid out in salaries, benefits and pensions for government workers and retired politicians, how much of the pie graph would be shaded?  

Also, is it true that any politician that serves two or more terms is given full pension 'til he dies?

I've got a million more questions regarding our tax dollars and how they're spent....is there a book or other resource you could refer me to?

Thanks!  

Answer
Dear Frances:

Thank you for your question. As to the first part of it, I have no idea, nor do I know where you might find that information.

Each government (federal, provincial, and municipal) has its own rules about pensions and how they are administered. Your best bet for that kind of information would probably be the individual government websites. As a general rule, though, federal and provincial politicians have very generous pension plans; there have been moves in recent years to make them a little more similar to private sector RRSPs and the like.

There are any number of books on taxation and the programs on which they are spent. The best resource to start at is probably the website of the government in which you are interested.

Hope this helps!

Adam