I am fortunate to be a dual citizen, American born, took out my Canadian citizenship to run for politics in BC, and then was allowed to be dual when I moved back to the US in December 2002. I am lucky as are my children who are all dual citizens. When I lived in BC, my tax rate was about 39%. Yes it was high, but my kids had fabulous medical coverage; they went to university in BC and I was able to put all three through university myself as it is much less expensive than university in the United States and a first class educational system. I will receive Canadian Pension of some amount for the 26 years I lived in British Columbia and worked. I also was the Executive Director of a myriad of large non profit organizations in BC and was always grateful to see my provincial and federal tax dollars at work supporting social programs. I never complained about my taxes and I do not complain in the US either. I feel that both countries provide a lot of programs, services, supports and infrastructure and the money does not fall from the trees. Do I think we could shuffle how money is spent? Yes, but we would still need taxes to support whatever programs, services and needs there are that government provides subsidizes. Just my opinion, no critique of anyone or any beliefs of anyone. Just my experience and good fortune to be a citizen of both Canada and the US and soon The Villlages. How lucky can one be in life?
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