[jonnyk]

Comparatively, we make close to the same money Americans do, if you factor in the exchange rate. However, due to our liberally inclined government, we do pay a fair bit more tax. There is a 7% federal tax on goods and services, and all of the provinces have their own 7%+ taxes on top of that, except for Alberta (sitting on lots of oil, 0% provincial tax). Goods here are also priced way differently...cars are cheaper (comparatively) than in the US, and our taxes on cars and the whole ownership process for that matter are different. In the end the differences aren't that great in the welfare of citizens, but the processes, taxes, and pricing contrasts are huge.