As a young boy, most of my summer holidays were spent fishing. A few other activities interfered on occasion, but every spare minute was devoted to fishing. However, as I grew older, other responsibilities began to limit my free time. Education, work, marriage, raising a family, building a home and countless other tasks took precedence over time that could have been devoted to fishing.
Recently, I realized most of these “adult” tasks had now been completed, and my few remaining responsibilities did not consume very much time. My thoughts immediately went back to my love of fishing, and I made plans to resume my favoured sport.
My first step was to acquire all the necessary equipment every fisherman needs. Fishing rods, reels and tackle were obvious requirements, but other more expensive items were also needed, especially a fishing boat and a trailer to haul said vessel. My search for a suitable boat was slowed, however, once I learned all boat buyers must also take a course on the safe operation and maintenance of these same boats. While a minor inconvenience, my love of fishing was far too strong to let this issue derail my plans. However, I was soon to discover that taking the course was just the beginning. The next hurdle was also quick to appear: apparently I also needed a license for the boat. Again, my love of fishing was strong. Then, because I needed a trailer to haul the boat, the trailer required a license. In addition, the vehicle pulling the trailer also needed a license. I could just feel my love starting to dwindle. But, wait, there’s more. Driving the vehicle requires a driver’s license, of course, but actually catching a fish also requires a license (actually, just trying to catch a fish requires the license — you pay whether you are successful or not).
I was beginning to realize that going fishing was not a simple matter, and apparently, not an inexpensive one either. I began to add up the costs. It quickly became apparent that the biggest costs I faced were all the costs imposed by our elected officials. The list included:
1. The salary I earned to buy the boat was subject to income tax
2. Equally, the salary I earned to buy the trailer was also subject to income tax.
3. After paying for the boat and trailer in these “after-tax dollars,” I was then forced to pay GST (again, in after-tax dollars). Of course, the fishing equipment I bought was also paid in after tax dollars and also required that I pay the GST.
4. If I actually wanted to go anywhere, I needed gasoline — a commodity that is apparently hit with four separate taxes, one of which represents a tax on a tax. Naturally, maintenance parts and services are also paid in after-tax dollars and subject to the GST. One of these taxes is an environmental tax — but don’t ask me where — by now, taxes were reproducing quicker than rabbits!
5. The mandatory course costs money, of course, but in addition to these fees, I also had to pay for the driver’s licenses and the licenses for the truck, trailer, boat and fish!
So, this summer, I’ll be at home watching the fishing shows on TV.
Brian McLeod is still trying to determine if he will also need a license if he goes fishing with dynamite.
