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Canada Tax Debate Sparks Reactions After Community Health Worker Shares Two-Week Payslip
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11:51am on January 11
Temmy Omoileri, who has worked as a community health worker for 11 years, posted her pay statement showing gross earnings of $3,374.89 and a net pay of $2,399 after deductions. Accompanying the document, she wrote:
“My 2 weeks paycheck. Check what goes out in taxes as a Community Health Worker. I decided to share because every corner of Canada we are highly taxed. Nightmare. I have worked like this for 11 years.”
Her post quickly drew reactions from professionals, immigrants and policy commentators across Canada, Australia and Nigeria, with opinions sharply divided over whether the deductions represent exploitation or a fair contribution to a functioning social system.
“Brutal” deductions, say critics
Some respondents expressed sympathy, describing the deductions as discouraging given the demanding nature of community health work.
Ibrahim Burour commented that the figures were “honestly brutal,” adding:
“When you see over a third of your earnings disappear to taxes and deductions, it really hits hard, especially in such a demanding role. Community health workers carry so much responsibility, yet the take-home pay rarely reflects the effort.”
Similarly, Kenzman Kenzee said the breakdown made long-term service feel unrewarding:
“Working two full weeks, earning $3,374.89 and taking home $2,399 after deductions is discouraging. When a huge chunk disappears into taxes, CPP, EI and other deductions, it starts to feel less like contribution and more like punishment — after 11 years of consistent service.”
Others defend the Canadian tax system
However, many respondents pushed back, arguing that Canadian taxes are justified by visible public benefits.
Emmanuel Nzube cautioned against comparing Canada with Nigeria, saying:
“High taxes are not the problem. High taxes with nothing to show for them is. In Canada, the results are visible. In Nigeria, people are taxed into darkness. Taxation without value is theft.”
Another respondent, Courage, said the post lacked context:
“You forgot to mention what deductions mean. CPP is your pension for retirement. EI supports you when you lose your job or go on maternity leave. There is also tax refund at the end of the year. When we talk about tax, we should educate people.”
Temitayo echoed that view, urging immigrants not to focus solely on deductions:
“In Canada, there’s free healthcare, free education for kids up to high school, child benefits and tax rebates. I don’t even look at my payslips except to confirm my hours.”
“You see where the money goes”
Others highlighted infrastructure and social security as key justifications for higher taxation.
Dr Leonix, who said he paid $28,800 in taxes in the 2024/2025 financial year, stated:
“Am I happy to pay that? Yes. Because that is what funds the maintenance of the infrastructure I use. You see what the tax is going into every day.”
Harrison Obi-Ijei also questioned the framing of the post, noting:
“The salary is for just 12 days of work. If it were a full month, the net would be over $5,000. Tax is not bad; what matters is how it is used.”
Union dues and political undertones
Some respondents focused on specific deductions rather than taxation itself. Ibn O argued:
“The only thing to complain about here is your union dues. The rest are standard deductions in a social democracy. Your municipal pension alone will put you ahead at retirement.”
Others injected political criticism. Ben Ogunleye remarked:
“The same hands that give are the ones that take away. Wokeness is expensive, and taxes are going up again in 2026.”
Despite the differing perspectives, the discussion reflects a broader global debate on taxation, social welfare and accountability — particularly among immigrants balancing high deductions against tangible public benefits.
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